IO Interactive ends partnership with Build a Rocket Boy after MindsEye disaster

IOI Partners has officially terminated its publishing partnership with Build a Rocket Boy following the catastrophic launch of MindsEye, according to a joint statement released Monday. The decision ends a collaboration that began when IO Interactive's publishing arm signed the studio founded by former Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies.

What led to the partnership breakdown?

MindsEye's launch in June 2025 proved disastrous, with PlayStation issuing widespread refunds due to technical issues and bugs. The game currently holds a Metacritic score of just 28 for PS5 and 38 for PC, making it the lowest-rated game on the platform in 2025. Social media was flooded with videos showcasing the game's problems, creating a public relations nightmare for both studios.

The partnership dissolution comes after Build a Rocket Boy's recent layoffs, which affected multiple staff members as the studio struggled with the aftermath of MindsEye's reception.

Criminal activity allegations rock the industry

Build a Rocket Boy CEO Mark Gerhard has made extraordinary claims about the circumstances surrounding MindsEye's failure. According to Gerhard, the studio has uncovered 'overwhelming evidence of organised espionage and corporate sabotage' that contributed to the game's downfall.

'Over the past months we have been working with external partners and legal advisors to investigate the criminal activity that took place around our launch,' Gerhard stated. 'That work has taken far longer than expected, but it has now resulted in overwhelming evidence of organised espionage and corporate sabotage affecting MindsEye. Because this matter is moving toward prosecution, we cannot share the full details publicly yet.'

These allegations represent some of the most serious claims made in the gaming industry regarding corporate interference, though no specific details have been provided about the nature of the alleged activities.

What this means for both studios

Build a Rocket Boy will assume sole publishing responsibilities for MindsEye, ensuring continuity for the game's remaining community. The joint statement confirmed that IOI Partners' involvement ends except for 'essential transitional functions required to transfer publisher-of-record status.'

For IO Interactive, this marks a setback for IOI Partners, which launched in 2024 as the studio's publishing venture following its independence from Square Enix in 2017. The Hitman developer had positioned IOI Partners as a way to support other developers, but MindsEye's failure raises questions about future partnerships.

A planned Hitman crossover mission with MindsEye, announced last year, has been scrapped as a result of the partnership's termination. This cancellation removes what could have been a significant marketing opportunity for both franchises.

Industry implications

The partnership's collapse highlights the risks involved in game publishing deals, particularly when established studios back unproven titles. Leslie Benzies' reputation from his work on Grand Theft Auto at Rockstar North wasn't enough to guarantee MindsEye's success, demonstrating how challenging it is to replicate past achievements at new studios.

The gaming industry has seen increasing consolidation and partnership announcements, but high-profile failures like this could make publishers more cautious about backing new ventures. This situation also demonstrates the potential reputational damage when publishing partnerships go wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did IO Interactive and Build a Rocket Boy end their partnership?

The partnership ended following MindsEye's disastrous launch in June 2025, which suffered from significant technical issues, led to PlayStation refunds, and received the lowest Metacritic scores of 2025.

What happened to the game MindsEye?

MindsEye launched with numerous technical problems, scoring just 28/100 on PS5 Metacritic. Build a Rocket Boy will now self-publish the game after IOI Partners withdrew from the partnership.

Was there a Hitman crossover with MindsEye planned?

Yes, a Hitman mission planned as a crossover event with MindsEye was in development but has now been scrapped due to the partnership's termination.

What are the allegations made by Build a Rocket Boy's CEO?

CEO Mark Gerhard claims there's 'overwhelming evidence of organised espionage and corporate sabotage' affecting MindsEye, stating the matter is moving toward prosecution but cannot share details publicly yet.

What does this mean for IOI Partners' future?

This represents a setback for IO Interactive's publishing venture, which launched in 2024. The failure may make IOI Partners more cautious about future partnerships with unproven studios.

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