**Title: Organized Espionage and Corporate Sabotage: Build a Rocket Boy’s Disturbing Times**
March 4, 2026, signifies another difficult day for Build a Rocket Boy, the studio responsible for the highly awaited game MindsEye. Co-CEO Mark Gerhard has openly revealed a new series of layoffs at the studio, attributing these unfortunate choices not to internal mismanagement but to claims of organized espionage and corporate sabotage.
In a poignant post shared on LinkedIn, Gerhard conveyed his regret regarding the layoffs, recognizing the skill and enthusiasm that those laid off brought to the studio’s vision. He stressed that such choices are never straightforward and underscored the profound effect on the employees affected and their families, as well as the larger community linked to the studio.
Nevertheless, Gerhard redirected the narrative, stating that these layoffs stem from “criminal activities” that have obstructed MindsEye’s launch. According to his remarks, the studio has been working with outside partners and legal teams to probe these supposed criminal acts. Gerhard asserts that this lengthy investigation has revealed significant evidence of organized espionage and corporate sabotage aimed at MindsEye. Due to the upcoming prosecution connected to this matter, he declined to share specific details publicly.
The erosion of internal trust seems to be exacerbated by recent disclosures concerning a leaked internal meeting reported by Insider Gaming. In this meeting, Gerhard reportedly accused members from a relatively small PR agency, Ritual Network, of coordinating a smear campaign against MindsEye. Gerhard characterized these individuals as part of a “bunch of gangsters” linked to a “very big American company.” This depiction appears to contradict the reality of Ritual Network, which primarily caters to TikTok and YouTube creators from its headquarters in Scunthorpe, England.
Moreover, controversies have surrounded Gerhard himself. Just days prior to the latest layoffs, on January 31, he threatened action against the YouTuber Cyber Boi, issuing a “cease and desist” after the YouTuber uploaded a contentious video implicating Leslie Benzies, a prominent figure in the gaming sphere, in the Epstein scandal. This move ignited discussions on social media platforms, especially considering Cyber Boi’s previous ties to Ritual Network.
As the situation progresses, the repercussions of these allegations and their effects on Build a Rocket Boy remain to be seen. The studio’s future, along with the destiny of the MindsEye project, hangs in the balance. The claims of espionage and sabotage, if validated, could destabilize the foundations of corporate trust throughout the gaming industry, exposing the sometimes murky dynamics of competition within this advancing sector.
