Unionized Build a Rocket Boy Employees File Legal Action Against MindsEye Studio Over Allegations of Illegal Invasive Surveillance Software

Unionized Build a Rocket Boy Employees File Legal Action Against MindsEye Studio Over Allegations of Illegal Invasive Surveillance Software

A group of unionized staff at MindsEye developers Build a Rocket Boy are pursuing legal action against the studio, claiming that the management’s installation of surveillance software on employee work devices violated data protection laws. The staff, represented by the IWGB Game Workers Union, assert that Build a Rocket Boy has not been transparent about the data collected through the software and the methods used for its storage.

Reports state that the software, known as Teramind, was removed from staff devices in March after 40 employees signed a collective grievance against the studio. However, the IWGB claims that workers are still left without clarity concerning what data was collected, how it was stored, and the reasons behind the software’s installation.

The IWGB Game Workers Union alleges that Build a Rocket Boy’s use of the software infringes upon data protection laws and impinges on the dignity of the workforce, extending beyond the legitimate scope of monitoring employee productivity or safeguarding company security. According to a leaked internal meeting, executives Mark Gerhard and Leslie Benzies confirmed that Teramind was implemented without employee knowledge. The software reportedly monitors users’ keystrokes, records screen activity, and captures audio from microphones.

The legal claims regarding the surveillance software are in addition to previous allegations of mishandled redundancies against Build a Rocket Boy. These recent claims follow ongoing tensions at the studio where past management decisions around layoffs provoked discontent among employees.

In their defense, Gerhard and Benzies have alleged that MindsEye’s launch was compromised by third-party sabotage. They have stated that they are currently collaborating with external partners and legal advisors to investigate the alleged espionage affecting the launch. Gerhard mentioned that this investigation has yielded substantial evidence of organized sabotage, but details remain undisclosed due to the ongoing legal proceedings.

Emphasizing a somewhat lighter approach to the serious claims, Gerhard has indicated plans to incorporate elements of the alleged sabotage into a future mission in MindsEye. This reflects a tension between addressing serious allegations and maintaining a public relations strategy amidst the controversy.

Build a Rocket Boy has been approached for comments regarding the ongoing legal situation and the serious concerns raised by staff members.