Build A Rocket Boy is facing internal backlash this weekend as developers at the Edinburgh-based studio prepare to picket an all-expenses-paid event for fans. The studio is flying in supporters to test future content for MindsEye, a move that the company’s own staff is actively protesting.

The protest, which is set for this Saturday, was confirmed by the IWGB Game Workers Union. The union represents employees at the studio who are speaking out against management’s decision to fund an exclusive fan playtest immediately following a difficult year of job losses. This event comes on the heels of the studio's third round of layoffs in just 12 months, a period that has seen significant instability within the company.

A Difficult Year for MindsEye

The upcoming preview event is a surprising development given the trajectory of MindsEye since its release on June 10, 2025. The title struggled significantly with critics, landing as one of the lowest-reviewed games of the year. The situation was further complicated by co-CEO Mark Gerhard, who publicly blamed the game's poor reception on paid bots and influencers, while also claiming the project was hindered by "sabotage."

These public comments, paired with the ongoing layoffs, have created deep friction between leadership and the workforce. According to the IWGB, the protest will include union members and supporters from the wider public, aiming to highlight the disconnect between the company’s expenditure on promotional events and the treatment of its staff.

The tension at the studio extends beyond the picket line. Developers at Build A Rocket Boy are currently seeking to take legal action against their employers, citing concerns over union busting and the use of software to monitor workers' activity at home.

Operational changes have also left the future of the project in question. Build A Rocket Boy has officially broken off its publishing agreement with IOI Interactive. That separation resulted in the cancellation of a previously planned crossover event between MindsEye and the Hitman franchise. With the studio now appearing to organize its own future content strategy independently, the upcoming Saturday event serves as a rare look at the game's potential post-launch roadmap.