**Build a Rocket Boy and IO Interactive End Publishing Partnership for MindsEye**
Build a Rocket Boy (BARB), developers of the action game MindsEye, have announced the termination of their publishing agreement with IO Interactive (IOI), the studio behind the Hitman franchise. This decision marks a significant shift for BARB, which will now independently handle the publishing of MindsEye. The partnership, which was expected to bring exciting crossover content involving Hitman, has ended, and the planned mission announced for June 2025 will no longer be developed.
In a joint statement, both companies expressed their commitment to a smooth transition, with BARB assuming full publishing responsibilities for MindsEye. They noted, “IOI Partners and BARB are coordinating closely to ensure a seamless transition over the coming weeks.” The statement acknowledged the anticipation among the gaming community regarding the collaboration and thanked fans for their ongoing support.
The initial publishing deal was the first for IOI’s publishing division, and it has not unfolded as favorably as expected. MindsEye received criticism at launch, described as a “buggy mess” that lacked the engaging gameplay necessary to captivate players. The game’s struggles have drawn comparisons to other recent titles that failed to meet expectations, reflecting a broader trend in the industry.
BARB’s co-founders, Mark Gerhard and Leslie Benzies, have faced challenges in the wake of the game’s troubled release. Reports indicate that the studio has undergone multiple layoffs as the team works to improve the game’s quality. Former employees have shared concerns about management practices, including allegations of micromanagement, enforced overtime, and mismanagement of workforce reductions impacting around 300 staff members last year.
In addition to internal challenges, executives at BARB have claimed that MindsEye was targeted by organized espionage and corporate sabotage from external parties. This has led to reports of monitoring software being installed on employees’ computers without their consent, as the studio seeks to identify potential spies or saboteurs.
As the partnership between Build a Rocket Boy and IO Interactive comes to an end, the future of MindsEye remains uncertain. The cessation of the planned Hitman crossover mission represents a lost opportunity for both companies and their respective fan bases. For now, BARB will forge ahead independently in hopes of revitalizing their product and engaging the gaming community.
