Build A Rocket Boy (BARB), the UK video game company founded by a former Grand Theft Auto developer, has entered administration. Administrators Opus Restructuring were appointed on September 23, 2026, and 36 more jobs have been lost.
Company History and Launch
BARB was set up in 2016 by Leslie Benzies, a former GTA developer. It initially worked on the multiplayer role-playing game Everywhere before pivoting to the action-adventure game MindsEye, which launched in June 2025.
The game suffered a difficult launch, with some players calling it "the worst game" of the year and "relentlessly dull." After the launch, it was reported that between 250 and 300 staff members were made redundant.
Administrators' 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."
The statement continued: "The Joint Administrators are undertaking an immediate review and intend to continue trading the business while exploring all available options with a view to maximising value for creditors and other stakeholders.
"49 of the Company’s 85 employees were retained upon appointment. Those employees who were made redundant will be supported by the Joint Administrators in claiming their statutory entitlements."
It added: "The Joint Administrators will also engage with relevant stakeholders in relation to ongoing investigations and assess any potential causes of action available to the Company in connection with the issues and circumstances surrounding the launch of MindsEye, the Company’s principal game.
"Interested parties should contact Opus Restructuring LLP for further information at buildarocketboy@opusllp.com."
Understanding Administration
Companies can enter administration when they can no longer pay bills, a situation known as insolvency. Payments to creditors are put on hold during the process, and proposals to restructure the business are drawn up.
An administrator from a qualified accountancy firm is put in charge of keeping the business running until a new owner is usually found. Creditors must be paid back as much money as possible, typically through selling off assets. Administration can take months, and in worst-case scenarios, a company can be put into liquidation and shut down if no way to generate cash is found.
