A Scathing Rebuke for Build A Rocket Boy as Workers Protest Alleged Misconduct
In a scathing rebuke, game workers took to the streets outside the Edinburgh office of MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy (BARB) over the weekend, protesting alleged misconduct and mismanagement. The union-led rally highlighted the company’s treatment of its workforce, including data privacy violations, layoffs, and questionable use of funds.
At the center of the controversy is BARB’s handling of employee data, with the IWGB Game Workers Union taking legal action against the studio over allegations of installing surveillance software on work devices in potential violation of data protection laws. The union has also criticized BARB’s decision to replace laid-off staff with fans at an expenses-paid playtest event, which they see as a misuse of funds.
The company, founded by former Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies, has faced significant job cuts this year, including a second round of layoffs earlier in the year. The studio claimed that the troubled launch of MindsEye was the result of “corporate sabotage,” but many have questioned this explanation given the number of staff let go in the aftermath.
For former BARB employees like Ben Newbon, who worked at the studio for two years, the situation is a stark reminder of poor leadership and a lack of respect for workers. “Studio execs continue to put their own egos ahead of their workforce—eroding jobs, morale, and the future of the studio,” he said. “Their conduct makes a mockery of the sweat, skill, and dedication that we poured into making their vision come to life.”
The union’s chair, Spring McParlin-Jones, described the playtest event as a “kick in the teeth” for those laid off by the studio. The extravagant event has been seen as a waste of money, with many questioning why fans were brought in to do jobs that would have otherwise gone to fired workers.
The IWGB’s stance on this issue is clear: they will not stand idly by while game developers continue to prioritize profits over people. “Whilst the goings-on at BARB sound extreme,” McParlin-Jones said, “game workers know that shocking treatment from bosses is rife across the sector. But we can see a different future, and the union is gaining momentum every day as we move towards it.”
As the industry continues to grapple with issues of worker rights and developer welfare, this protest serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing people over profits. The future of game development will be shaped by the actions of studios like BARB, and it’s clear that the IWGB is committed to holding them accountable.
What does this mean for the future of VR/XR? As the industry continues to grow and evolve, we can expect more attention on worker rights and developer welfare. The success or failure of companies like BARB will be a bellwether for the industry as a whole, and it’s clear that the IWGB is committed to pushing for change. Whether through unionization efforts or high-profile protests, game workers are speaking out against what they see as unacceptable treatment by their employers. As we look to the future of VR/XR, one thing is certain: the industry will be shaped by the actions of those who prioritize people over profits.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-07-13