Current and former developers at Build A Rocket Boy (BARB)—the studio behind the troubled game MindsEye—have released a scathing open letter to the studio’s leadership. They allege numerous instances of systemic mistreatment, mismanagement, and a flawed redundancy process overseen by Mark Gerhard and Leslie Benzies.

The action game MindsEye was BARB’s debut, but its disastrous launch has left the studio reeling. Some team members cited intense pressure and unhealthy working conditions, describing a mandatory eight hours of overtime each week that left them mentally and physically drained.

The letter points out significant failures within the studio’s communication structure, claiming employees received misinformation during the redundancy process, jeopardizing their job security.

• “In the four months leading up to the launch of MindsEye, execs implemented mandatory overtime with little recovery time, often requesting additional work post-launch.”

The IWGB also disclosed that over 250 developers faced layoffs, pointing to a severe decline in company morale with many feeling belittled and manipulated.

A call for accountability includes demands for a public apology and better compensation for laid-off employees, as outlined by Spring McparlinJones, chair of IWGB. **“The games industry is not the Wild West anymore. Executives must recognize their obligations to employees.”

In a statement to Kotaku, BARB expressed regret over the layoffs, insisting they managed the process transparently and are committed to improving based on feedback.