Build A Rocket Boy is facing fresh controversy as employees prepare to protest an upcoming fan playtest event for MindsEye. The demonstration is scheduled to take place outside the studio’s headquarters in Edinburgh, Scotland, on the same day the company hosts an all-expenses-paid event where invited fans will try unreleased MindsEye content.
According to the IWGB Game Workers Union, which represents workers at the studio, the protest is intended to highlight ongoing concerns over layoffs and alleged workplace practices. The event comes just months after Build A Rocket Boy reportedly carried out another round of job cuts following the troubled launch of MindsEye.
Developers criticize timing of fan event
In a statement shared by the IWGB Game Workers Union, the organization confirmed that Build A Rocket Boy employees and supporters from other unions will stage a picket during Saturday’s playtest.
The union said,
“Workers at Edinburgh-based game studio Build A Rocket Boy will stage a picket outside the company’s all-expenses-paid ‘playtest’ day… The IWGB Game Workers Union, together with supporters from other unions and the wider public, will protest the studio’s decision to fund the event after mass layoffs over the last year.”
The union has also previously alleged that workers are considering legal action against the company over claims of union busting and employee monitoring. Those allegations have not been proven in court, and Build A Rocket Boy has not publicly responded to them.
The protest follows a difficult period for MindsEye, which launched to mixed-to-negative reviews and technical criticism. In the months since release, Build A Rocket Boy has released multiple patches aimed at improving performance while reaffirming its commitment to supporting the game.
Despite the backlash, the upcoming playtest suggests the studio is continuing development on future MindsEye content. Reports also indicate the company is now moving forward independently after its publishing partnership with IO Interactive ended, resulting in the cancellation of a planned MindsEye and Hitman crossover.
At the time of writing, Build A Rocket Boy has reportedly been contacted for comment regarding the planned protest but has not issued a public response.
