From GTA Legend to Game Failure: The Rise and Fall of Build A Rocket Boy

When a Legend Loses His Way

I've watched the video game industry evolve for years, and few stories tug at my heartstrings quite like the tale of Leslie Benzies. The man who helped shape one of gaming's most iconic franchises — Grand Theft Auto — now finds himself in the precarious position of leading a studio that's teetering on the edge of collapse.

Build A Rocket Boy (Barb), the Edinburgh-based studio he founded after his rocky exit from Rockstar Games, launched MindsEye in June 2025 with fanfare and high expectations. Instead, it delivered a digital disaster that has now left the company in administration — a state of affairs that could mean either salvation or oblivion for this once-promising venture.

"The version of the game that was released did not reflect the experience our community deserved," said Barb's statement in response to my inquiries. But how did a studio backed by over £233 million in investment and led by a man who defined modern gaming end up with such a calamitous launch?

The Dream That Turned Sour

Back in 2016, Benzies, fresh off his legal battle over unpaid royalties with Rockstar, decided to take the leap into independent game development. He set up Barb with ambitions of crafting something revolutionary — a multiplayer role-playing game called Everywhere, a futuristic city that would've been a true successor to GTA's legacy.

But like many ambitious projects, Everywhere didn't quite pan out. The studio pivoted toward an action-adventure title — MindsEye — a move that ultimately backfired spectacularly.

The early buzz around the game was promising, with industry watchers speculating about its potential to become a standout release. What happened next? Well, it's a textbook example of how a dream can turn into a nightmare when reality doesn't meet the hype.

Behind the Scenes: Chaos in the Making

Former employees, speaking with BBC Newsbeat, described a chaotic development process. No coherent direction, mismanagement, and an environment where innovation was stifled by corporate infighting — all of this was reported to have plagued the studio.

It's chilling to hear that Benzies allegedly blamed "internal and external forces" for the game's downfall during a staff call, suggesting a paranoid atmosphere within the company. His assertion of rooting out "saboteurs" sounds less like a visionary leader and more like someone unraveling under pressure — a sad reflection on what was once a powerhouse creative force.

The irony is not lost on me: a developer who helped bring GTA's gritty realism to life now finds himself in the same world he created, only this time as the victim of a game that failed to live up to its potential. It's a tragic twist — one that serves as a cautionary tale for all of us who love the art of storytelling through games.

What's Next for Barb?

Barb is now in administration, and while this process doesn't automatically mean liquidation, it does signal deep financial distress. A company going into administration typically aims to restructure, sell off assets, or find a new owner. In the case of Barb, with a £36.2 million loss reported and only £10.5 million in net assets, the road ahead is grim.

What's most telling isn't just the financial failure — it's how this reflects on the broader industry trends. The pressure to deliver instant success in an increasingly competitive market leaves little room for experimentation or error. Barb was supposed to be the next big thing, but instead, it's a poignant reminder that even legends can fall from grace.

After the initial wave of layoffs — between 250 and 300 employees were let go — reports have surfaced that the remaining staff have also been made redundant. In a matter of months, this once-huge studio has shrunk to nothing.

The Cultural Impact

What strikes me most is how deeply this story hits at the heart of cultural storytelling in gaming. The video game industry isn't just about pixels and code — it's about crafting experiences that resonate with players on an emotional level. MindsEye, as a debut title from someone who has spent his career defining what games can be, was meant to elevate the medium.

Instead, we're left with a product that failed to deliver on its promise, leaving fans and industry experts alike questioning how we got here — and whether we'll see another studio attempt such a high-stakes gamble.

The story of Build A Rocket Boy isn't just about one studio's collapse; it's about the fragility of dreams in an industry where innovation is both revered and ruthlessly scrutinized. It's a lesson in the price of hubris — and perhaps, a warning sign for the future of independent development.

As I write this, I can't help but wonder: What will become of the next great game from a studio that once seemed destined to carry on the legacy of a gaming titan? The industry is watching closely — and not just for the money. It's watching for the soul of gaming itself.