{
  "id": 7841294,
  "title": "MindsEye developers report new round of layoffs at Build A Rocket Boy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/mindseye-developers-report-new-round-of-layoffs-at-build-a-rocket-boy",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-16T17:32:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GamesIndustry",
    "slug": "gamesindustry",
    "url": "https://www.gamesindustry.biz/mindseye-developers-report-new-round-of-layoffs-at-build-a-rocket-boy"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Scottish video game developer Build a Rocket Boy has announced another round of layoffs affecting the studio's workforce. The action-adventure game MindsEye, which launched in June 2025, received negative reviews due to numerous bugs and performance issues. Following the game's launch, the studio experienced a significant reduction in staff, estimated at around 300 employees. Despite this, Build a Rocket Boy continued to release updates for MindsEye, including a free starter pack trial on all platforms in November. The company also announced a new phase of development for the game in February, marking the first PR effort since its initial release. However, in March, IOI Partners and Build a Rocket Boy ended their publishing agreement for MindsEye. The full extent of the layoffs remains undisclosed, but principal talent acquisition partner and HR operations lead, Dan Hawkins, shared his departure from the company on LinkedIn. Hawkins expressed gratitude for his time at Build a Rocket Boy, acknowledging the studio's growth from 200 to 550 employees and the talents of his colleagues. He stated his intention to stay until the end to wrap up HR matters, while also seeking opportunities within and outside the gaming industry. Reports suggest that even if all remaining staff are laid off, Build a Rocket Boy may continue to operate, though the studio has yet to comment on the matter. Protests outside the Edinburgh office in July highlighted the dissatisfaction among staff regarding the scale of cuts already made.",
  "summary": "Scottish studio Build a Rocket Boy has reportedly initiated another round of job cuts. Read more",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IGN",
        "title": "MindsEye Developers Say They've Been Laid Off Amid Questions Over Build a Rocket Boy's Future",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/mindseye-developers-say-theyve-been-laid-off-amid-questions-over",
        "published": "2026-09-16T14:20:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}