Expectations ran high for the initial game from Build a Rocket Boy, established by Leslie Benzies, the former producer of Grand Theft Auto, after his exit from Rockstar North in 2016. Benzies, remembered for directing the success of GTA, sought to launch Everywhere, a multiplayer RPG set in a futuristic open world designed for players to craft unique experiences.

Despite securing £233 million in funding by 2024 and reaching a staff of 448, the studio shifted its attention from Everywhere to MindsEye, a subsidiary concept within the initial idea. However, upon its release, MindsEye faced severe backlash from both critics and players, leading to significant layoffs at Barb, with the scale of discontent only surfacing later.

A letter by 93 former employees accused Benzies and Mark Gerhard of “systematic mistreatment, mismanagement, and mismanagement of laid-off workers”. One ex-employee remarked, “Leslie never decided on a clear game direction,” indicating a continuous state of confusion regarding the project’s goals.

Another former lead data analyst criticized the micromanagement style, highlighting that trivial suggestions dubbed “Leslie tickets” were prioritized over more significant tasks.

As the launch approached, many employees worked unpaid overtime with promises of time off post-release, leading to burnout and rising tensions. A July all-staff meeting revealed Benzies dismissing criticism as “uncalled for,” attributing the negative reception to supposed internal sabotage, which stunned the existing team members.

Legal action has been initiated by the IWGB, which advocates for the rights of video game workers amidst the claims of poor management at Barb, with a goal to ensure that workforce rights are firmly upheld.