Build a Rocket Boy goes solo on MindsEye as IOI Partners deal collapses
Summary
Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) has ended its publishing agreement with IOI Partners, taking full control of MindsEye publishing.
CEO Mark Gerhard cites independence, repricing strategy, and community closeness as key motivations for the split.
The studio faces continued turbulence - a second round of layoffs is underway alongside ongoing "corporate sabotage" allegations.
"We like being able to control our own destiny as an independent studio."
01
Publishing split - BARB takes full control of MindsEye
Build a Rocket Boy has terminated its publishing agreement with IO Interactive's publishing division, IOI Partners.
The planned Hitman x MindsEye collaboration will no longer proceed as originally designed.
Taking on solo publishing allows BARB to reprice MindsEye, positioning the game as more accessible to players.
"That will provide phenomenal value to our players - we're obviously continuing to invest in the game."
02
Sabotage allegations enter the game itself
BARB claims a coordinated campaign deliberately shaped a negative narrative around MindsEye at launch.
Gerhard states the studio has conducted thorough investigations and identified parties involved.
The matter has been escalated to UK and US authorities, both confirmed to be assisting with the investigation.
A new multiplayer mission will embed "some of the evidence of sabotage" directly into game content.
"Some people had their hands on the scale and deliberately tried to shape a negative narrative around the product so it didn't get a fair chance."
03
Studio health - second round of layoffs underway
A second wave of redundancies began two weeks prior to the interview, following earlier March cuts tied to MindsEye's difficult launch.
Gerhard confirmed the layoffs are not yet over, signaling continued restructuring pressure.
The March round was described as a "brutal and heartbreaking step" taken to secure the studio's long-term future.
04
What comes next for BARB and MindsEye
The studio plans to evolve MindsEye organically through direct community engagement and iterative updates.
The upcoming multiplayer update is the next major milestone, expected to include the new sabotage-evidence mission.
Legal proceedings are ongoing - BARB has indicated it will allow authorities to lead on any arrests or announcements.
Repricing and independent publishing signal a pivot toward wider audience accessibility and self-determined growth.
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