Build A Rocket Boy (BARB), the Edinburgh-based video game developer founded by former Grand Theft Auto developer Leslie Benzies, has collapsed into administration. Administrators Opus Restructuring were formally appointed on 23 September 2026, just over a year after the company released its debut title, MindsEye, in June 2025.
Job losses and staff retained
Opus Restructuring confirmed that a further 36 jobs have been lost, following earlier reports that between 250 and 300 staff had been made redundant after the game's difficult launch. Of the company's 85 employees, 49 were retained upon appointment.
In a statement, Opus Restructuring said: "Allister Manson and Mark Harper of Opus Restructuring LLP were appointed Joint Administrators of Build A Rocket Boy Ltd on 23 September 2026. The directors sought the protection of Administration to safeguard the Company's business and assets while options for its future are assessed."
Background and launch struggles
BARB was established in 2016. The studio initially worked on the multiplayer role-playing game Everywhere before switching direction to develop the action-adventure title MindsEye. The game's launch proved challenging, with some players branding it "the worst game" of the year and "relentlessly dull".
The administrators said they intend to continue trading the business while exploring all available options. They added that employees made redundant will be supported in claiming their statutory entitlements, and that they will engage with stakeholders regarding ongoing investigations and potential causes of action connected to the launch of MindsEye.
What administration means
Companies enter administration when they are unable to settle their bills, a situation known as insolvency. During the process, payments to creditors are suspended, and an administrator from a qualified accountancy firm takes control. They are responsible for maintaining business operations until typically a new owner is secured, and creditors must be repaid as much money as feasible, generally through the sale of assets. Administration can take several months, and in the worst case, a company may be placed into liquidation and closed down if there is no viable way to generate additional revenue.
