Build A Rocket Boy (MindsEye) employees accuse the studio of mistreatment
, by Thibaut
It seems MindsEye was an absolute disaster even before its launch last June!
This week, nearly 100 former and current employees published an open letter exposing their employer's toxic practices.
The letter refers to a “longstanding lack of respect and mistreatment” of Build A Rocket Boy staff. It also reveals that between 200 and 300 developers were laid off following the chaotic release of MindsEye. The letter even mentions a lack of transparency and communication within the company, targeting Leslie Benzies, the studio's founder, in particular.
"Information has been scarce and vague, and you (Benzies) have often made radical changes to our working methods without giving those affected a say, or almost no say at all."
Added to this is the fact that around four months before MindsEye went on sale, Build A Rocket Boy's management made eight hours of overtime per week compulsory for every employee. Compensatory time off was to be granted afterwards, but many say they have not yet been able to use it. Overtime was also required after the game's release.
Furthermore, layoffs were reportedly not handled properly, resulting in misinformation and inadequate notice periods. Those affected are now demanding fair compensation. Finally, measures to improve working conditions at Build A Rocket Boy are also being called for.
Source: gameworkers.co.uk