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Report: MindsEye developer Build a Rocket Boy seemingly closing after more layoffs

What happened
Based on Game Developer · Sep 16, 2026

Build a Rocket Boy, the studio behind MindsEye, is reportedly closing after multiple staff layoffs and farewell posts on social media.

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Report: MindsEye developer Build a Rocket Boy seemingly closing after more layoffs
Game Developer — Game Developer
Key points
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Build a Rocket Boy staff posted farewell messages on social media citing redundancy and job searches.
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A principal talent acquisition partner highlighted nearly five years at BARB and the studio’s growth from 200 to 550 employees.
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Kotaku reports sources claim Build a Rocket Boy is permanently closing its doors.
Key numbers
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Build a Rocket Boy (BARB), the developer behind MindsEye, appears to be winding down operations following a wave of farewell posts from staff on social media over the past 24 hours.
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They noted their role in expanding the studio from 200 to 550 employees during their tenure and pledged to assist with winding down operations in the HR department.
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Multiple staff on the studio have written farewell posts on social media over the past 24 hours.

Build a Rocket Boy (BARB), the developer behind MindsEye, appears to be winding down operations following a wave of farewell posts from staff on social media over the past 24 hours. Developers at the studio have publicly announced their departures, with some citing redundancy and others expressing gratitude for their time at the company. The studio has not yet issued an official statement regarding the reported layoffs or closure.

One developer, who served as principal talent acquisition partner and HR operations lead, shared a farewell message highlighting nearly five years at BARB. They noted their role in expanding the studio from 200 to 550 employees during their tenure and pledged to assist with winding down operations in the HR department. Another staff member, a lead 3D weapon/prop artist, echoed similar sentiments, confirming their redundancy and job search.

A Technical Level Designer (UGC) at BARB also announced their departure, stating they were raising the green banner to seek new opportunities. The messaging from departing employees suggests a coordinated wave of layoffs across the studio, though no official confirmation has been provided by management.

Kotaku reports that sources familiar with the situation have indicated Build a Rocket Boy is permanently closing its doors. The studio’s troubled history includes allegations of mismanagement, legal claims, and multiple rounds of job cuts during MindsEye’s development and post-launch period.

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