What's Happening?
Employees of Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) are planning a protest at the company's Edinburgh offices in response to an 'all-expenses-paid' fan event. The protest, supported by the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB), comes after significant
layoffs at the studio following the release of their game, MindsEye, in June 2025. The game faced criticism for bugs and performance issues, leading to poor reviews and subsequent staff reductions. Despite these challenges, the company has continued to update the game and recently announced a new development phase.
Why It's Important?
The protest highlights ongoing tensions within the gaming industry regarding employee treatment and resource allocation. The decision to host an expensive fan event while having recently laid off a substantial number of employees raises questions about company priorities and financial management. This situation reflects broader industry challenges where employee welfare and job security are often at odds with marketing and community engagement strategies. The outcome of this protest could influence future industry practices regarding employee relations and event planning.
