Has Build a Rocket Boy Broken Ties With IO Interactive?

Hot news News 01/31/2026

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It seems that the Danish company is distancing itself from Build a Rocket Boy (BARB) to minimize its losses after the disastrous failure of MindsEye. But is that really the case?

According to Insider-Gaming, BARB, the developer of MindsEye, has terminated its publishing agreement with IO Interactive, the developer of Hitman and 007: First Light. MindsEye was the first game released under IO Interactive‘s new publishing label, and, if the rumors are true, it may also be the last. BARB reportedly made the decision to terminate the contract, not IO Interactive. This is allegedly because BARB wants to publish its own games to have more control over its future. The previously planned collaboration between MindsEye and Hitman has also been canceled.

MindsEye has an average score of just 37/100 on Metacritic, making it the worst-rated game of 2025 after its disastrous release. To say that the game suffered from an excessive number of bugs upon release would be an understatement. PlayStation even refunded players because the game was so buggy. When it did work, critics and players alike criticized the lack of things to do and the less-than-compelling story. It was a bad situation for BARB. While the game’s sales figures weren’t the worst, word of mouth and a flood of memes and videos about the game’s worst moments dampened enthusiasm. There were layoffs at the studio, and developers wrote an open letter criticizing the management, including former Rockstar (and Grand Theft Auto) producer Leslie Benzies.

A week later, the BBC revealed more damning details about BARB’s internal problems. Although the studio tried to update and fix the game, it seems more likely that it will run out of financial reserves and close before realizing its full vision for MindsEye. In light of this, it’s interesting to note that, according to rumors, BARB, not IO Interactive, made the decision to sever ties. Perhaps BARB has a comeback plan and wants complete autonomy over it.

Only time will tell, although it’s worth noting that neither BARB nor IO Interactive has officially confirmed or denied the rumor.

Source: WCCFTech, Insider Gaming

Angyal Anikó

Anikó, our news editor and communication manager, is more interested in the business side of the gaming industry. She worked at banks, and she has a vast knowledge of business life. Still, she likes puzzle and story-oriented games, like Sherlock Holmes: Crimes & Punishments, which is her favourite title. She also played The Sims 3, but after accidentally killing a whole sim family, swore not to play it again. (For our office address, email and phone number check out our IMPRESSUM)