More MindsEye developers have been laid off, and GTA veteran Leslie Benzie’s studio is reportedly shutting down

Build A Rocket Boy (BARB), the studio founded by GTA veteran Leslie Benzies, is reportedly shutting down following another round of significant layoffs. Multiple employees announced their departures on social media over the past 24 hours, with several indicating they are “helping wrap things up,” suggesting a complete studio closure rather than a temporary reduction.

The layoffs represent the latest chapter in a troubled saga that began with MindsEye’s disastrous launch in June 2025. The story-driven action-adventure game was initially conceived as part of “Everywhere,” Benzies’ ambitious “Roblox for adults” platform, before the studio pivoted to focus solely on MindsEye. At its peak, BARB employed over 500 staff, but the game’s failure prompted immediate and severe consequences.

MindsEye was universally panned upon release, with players describing it as “broken,” “buggy,” and “the worst game of 2025.” The title suffered from significant performance issues, bugs, and dismal critical reviews. BARB subsequently laid off approximately 300 developers shortly after launch, with additional redundancies following in subsequent months. Despite these cuts, the studio continued pushing updates, including a free starter pack trial launched in November.

The studio’s recovery efforts were further complicated by claims it had been the subject of a sabotage campaign—allegations that appeared to damage rather than rehabilitate its reputation. Publisher IO Interactive distanced itself from the project. These latest layoffs suggest the studio’s struggles are irreparable. The IWGB Games Worker Union expressed solidarity with affected employees, acknowledging that the studio had been “slowly spiralling for a long time.”

Sources

• More MindsEye developers have been laid off, and GTA veteran Leslie Benzie’s studio is reportedly shutting down
• Report: MindsEye developer Build a Rocket Boy seemingly closing after more layoffs
• MindsEye developers report new round of layoffs at Build A Rocket Boy
• MindsEye Developers Say They’ve Been Laid Off Amid Questions Over Build a Rocket Boy’s Future
• New MindsEye Layoffs Could Mean The Studio is Shutting Down
• MindsEye developer Build a Rocket Boy may finally be closing
• MindsEye Developer Seemingly Shutting Down after New Round of Layoffs
• The Disastrous MindsEye Saga Comes to a Close as Studio Is Reportedly Shutting Down
• MindsEye studio Build A Rocket Boy appear to be making fresh redundancies, as one staffer says he’s “helping wrap things up here in the HR department”
• MindsEye studio Build a Rocket Boy may be closing down, according to reports