Build a Rocket Boy Faces Another Wave of Layoffs After MindsEye DLC Flop

Just a week after the much-hyped DLC for MindsEye titled “Blacklisted” hit the shelves—and let’s be real, it didn’t impress—another round of layoffs has hit Build a Rocket Boy. Reports are coming in that several developers at the studio have been let go, and the news doesn’t look good for those who remain.

According to sources, including LinkedIn and Discord messages from the MindsEye community team, these layoffs have affected a number of staff members. The heartfelt farewells shared on Discord reflect a community that, while small, holds a lot of sentiment and disappointment over the recent developments.

Though Build a Rocket Boy hasn’t officially commented on the layoffs, insider reports suggest that up to 170 employees could have been affected. This follows two previous rounds of cuts: one shortly after the initial MindsEye launch back in June 2025, and another just a few months ago in March.

If these numbers prove accurate, it raises serious questions about the studio’s viability. Co-CEO Mark Gerhard noted back in March that the team was cut down to around 240 from a peak of over 800, with plans to shrink that number down to about 100. The reasoning behind this downsizing, however, remains a mystery.

Let’s be honest; MindsEye hasn’t made a strong case for itself. While it can be fun in a few unintentional ways, it’s far from being a well-crafted game. The recent “Blacklisted” update was supposed to inject new life into the experience, but it turned out to be a lackluster addition featuring a dull mission that didn’t even capture the quirky charm of the base game.

Attempts to expand the game through its Arcadia platform for user-generated content also seem to be falling flat. Current player counts on Steam are dismal, with a peak of just 11 concurrent players—a far cry from what you’d hope for a thriving online experience.

I’ve reached out to Build a Rocket Boy for any comment regarding these layoffs and will keep you posted if they respond. As the gaming community watches closely, the future of the studio appears increasingly uncertain.