Protests at Build a Rocket Boy: employees revolt over fan event

In brief

• Build a Rocket Boy employees are protesting a fan event on July 11.
• The event is an all-expenses-paid opportunity for fans to play a new version of MindsEye.
• The company has recently laid off more than 170 workers, fueling staff anger.

Tensions are running high at Build a Rocket Boy, the developer behind MindsEye. On July 11, 2026, employees will stage a protest outside the company’s Edinburgh offices. The demonstration comes as the studio faces major layoffs, including more than 170 staff who lost their jobs in May 2025 following the launch of a new campaign. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) is backing the protest, underlining just how serious the situation has become.

The fan event, which is being promoted as a chance for players to try a new version of MindsEye, is being seen by staff as inappropriate. They point out that the company had already laid off more than 100 employees earlier this year. Frustration has also been fueled by allegations of “organized spying and corporate sabotage” made by studio founders Leslie Benzies and Mark Gerhard, who claim these factors affected the game’s development.

GAME-scanner analysis

The protests are a clear sign of unrest within Build a Rocket Boy’s team. The fact that employees are joining forces with a union shows they are not only trying to make their voices heard, but also demanding change in how the company treats its staff. The combination of layoffs and a fan event that is being viewed as tone-deaf could further damage the studio’s reputation. It may also affect MindsEye’s development, as team morale remains under pressure.

What does this mean for players?

For players, this situation could mean that MindsEye’s development is delayed. If staff unrest continues, it could also affect the game’s quality. In addition, public perception of the studio may shift, which could impact sales and community engagement.