**Update on Build A Rocket Boy Layoffs: Insights from IWGB Union Member**
In response to the recent layoff reports concerning Build A Rocket Boy (BARB), the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) has shared insights from one of its members, Kirby Lipardo, who is a former employee of the company. Lipardo’s statement provides a deeper understanding of the ongoing situation within the studio, which has faced significant instability and job losses in recent months.
According to Lipardo, while rumors and chaos have become synonymous with BARB, there is currently no evidence suggesting new layoffs are occurring beyond what has already been reported. The layoffs, which have reportedly affected around 170 out of the remaining 250 staff members, are seen as a continuation of job cuts initiated in March. Lipardo describes the painful experience of being locked out of work accounts abruptly on the day of layoffs, a fate that many of his former colleagues also experienced.
Lipardo emphasizes the serious impact of these layoffs, noting that almost 100 workers have been left searching for new jobs. He shares that, despite the chaos from an external perspective, it is the employees—and not just the production or corporate management—who bear the brunt of these decisions. The dialogue around employee’s rights and the challenges they face has intensified, highlighting the role of the IWGB in creating a sense of community and agency among workers.
The IWGB is currently involved in a legal case related to the previous round of layoffs, alleging breaches of collective consultation obligations, procedural unfairness, and unlawful blacklisting among other claims. If successful, this case could impose significant financial repercussions on BARB. Lipardo criticizes the management’s focus on identifying supposed “internal saboteurs,” instead urging a genuine commitment to improving employee conditions and fostering a more constructive workplace environment.
The original report of layoffs was brought to public attention through platforms like Kotaku, with many affected employees sharing their experiences on social media outlets like LinkedIn. Among those impacted are technical designers and QA analysts, some of whom had recently joined the company, underscoring the volatility of employment at BARB.
CEO Mark Gerhard has previously cited the difficult launch and ongoing challenges as reasons for the layoffs, which continue to affect the studio’s operations post-release of their in-game mission that references allegations of sabotage.
As these setbacks unfold, the impact on both individual lives and the corporate identity of Build A Rocket Boy remains stark. Solidarity and support for those affected echo strongly as the community rallies behind the conversations surrounding worker rights and fair treatment in the gaming industry. The situation at BARB is a poignant reminder of the importance of collective action and support systems within the workforce.
