### Protest by IWGB Union Highlights Tensions at Build a Rocket Boy
The IWGB union has staged a protest outside the MindsEye studio offices, expressing discontent with Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) amidst ongoing worker layoffs and controversial practices. The protest occurred following a fan playtest event, which the union criticized as inappropriate given the recent redundancies within the company.
### Context of the Protest
The protest took place on Saturday, July 11th, as former BARB employees and union members gathered to voice their concerns. IWGB chair Spring McParlin-Jones condemned the playtest event as “a kick in the teeth for the fired workers who are seeing fans brought in to do jobs that would otherwise have been theirs.” This statement underlines the union’s frustration, given that BARB has reportedly laid off between 250 to 300 employees in the past 13 months.
### Financial Missteps and Employee Sentiment
McParlin-Jones emphasized that the expenses paid for the playtest attendees, which included travel costs covered by BARB, represent a misuse of company resources at a time when many former employees are struggling. The extravagant nature of the event has led to rising tensions between management and the laid-off staff, as they perceive it as a blatant disregard for their contributions and hardships.
Isaac Hudd, a former BARB employee, addressed the crowd, criticizing company co-CEOs Mark Gerhard and Leslie Benzies for their handling of the workforce and financial decisions. Hudd pointed out the company’s neglect which led to the bankruptcy of its French branch and questioned the hiring decisions that brought fans in instead of rehiring or supporting former community managers.
### Allegations Against Management
Compounding the situation, the IWGB has accused BARB management of potentially illegal practices, including the installation of surveillance software on employees’ computers to monitor for alleged “sabotage.” This has created a climate of fear and mistrust among remaining employees, further fueling the discontent expressed during the protest.
### Ongoing Issues and Management’s Response
Since the release of MindsEye in June, Build a Rocket Boy’s narrative has been tumultuous. CEO Mark Gerhard has publicly alleged that the game was sabotaged, claiming that he incorporated evidence of this sabotage into a recent game mission. The backdrop of these claims and the union’s accusations has painted a troubling picture of the company’s management and their treatment of former and current workers.
A spokesperson from Build a Rocket Boy has been approached for comments regarding the protest and the allegations brought forth by the IWGB, but as of now, the response is pending.
### Conclusion
The protest by the IWGB union is a significant reflection of the deepening chasm between BARB’s management and its workforce. With ongoing allegations of financial mismanagement and labor rights violations, the future landscape at Build a Rocket Boy remains uncertain, raising questions about accountability and the ethical treatment of employees within the gaming industry.
