Trouble is mounting at Build A Rocket Boy (BARB), as MindsEye devs demand answers regarding corporate surveillance issue involving unauthorized monitoring software. Led by the IWGB Game Workers Union, a group of employees has initiated legal action after discovering that leadership installed surveillance software on company devices without their knowledge.

The Teramind Controversy and Employee Grievances

The dispute centers around the installation of Teramind, a piece of surveillance software used to monitor employee activity. While 40 employees filed a formal grievance that resulted in the software being removed from devices this past March, the tension remains high.

The core of the conflict is the lack of transparency regarding the period when the software was active. Workers are now seeking clarity on several critical points:

  • Exactly how much data was collected without employee consent.
  • What specific actions were taken with the gathered information.
  • The original justification for installing the software in the first place.

Escalating Legal Action and Accountability

The union claims that Build A Rocket Boy has failed to meet the workers' demands for transparency. According to a press release from the IWGB Game Workers Union: "[Build A Rocket Boy] failed to meet the aggrieved workers' other demands for transparency and accountability, refusing to explain what data was collected, how it was used, and why the software was installed in the first place."

As a result of this impasse, union members are escalating the corporate surveillance issue through both ACAS and the Information Commissioner's Office.

A Turbulent Era for Build A Rocket Boy

The studio has faced significant hurdles recently. Founded in 2016 by former Rockstar boss Leslie Benzies, the company saw Mark Gerhard, the former Jagex CEO, step in as co-CEO in 2024.

The studio's debut title, the GTA-inspired MindsEye, has been a lightning rod for controversy. Following its launch, the game became one of the worst-reviewed titles of 2025. This difficult release was compounded by several internal struggles:

  • Claims of excessive crunch time to fix technical issues.
  • Allegations of improperly handled layoffs.
  • Ongoing disputes regarding workplace monitoring and privacy.