Studio Build a Rocket Boy, developer of the game MindsEye, is preparing to announce that it will end its partnership with IO Interactive, according to a report from Insider Gaming. The move, the outlet says, will be made public in the near future as the studio seeks a different path for the game's post-launch management.
Sources familiar with the matter told the publication that Build a Rocket Boy wants to take on publishing responsibilities itself to gain tighter control over MindsEye's direction. The studio hopes that owning those functions will allow it to speed up decision-making, streamline communication, and exercise more direct oversight of how the game is maintained and updated after release.
One direct consequence of the change in plans is that the previously announced MindsEye x Hitman crossover, revealed during Summer Game Fest 2025, is no longer expected to take place. Instead, Build a Rocket Boy intends to concentrate on technical fixes and content updates aimed at improving the core game experience. Insiders emphasize that the initiative to end the agreement came from Build a Rocket Boy rather than IO Interactive.
MindsEye launched on June 10, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The title met with extremely negative reactions from critics and many players, prompting the developers to focus on post-release improvements. Company leadership has publicly acknowledged significant internal challenges following the problematic launch and warned of possible staff reductions tied to the situation.
Since release, Build a Rocket Boy has issued several substantial updates to MindsEye, but those patches and additions have so far failed to bring a notable influx of new players. The studio's decision to assume publishing duties reflects an effort to change course quickly and more directly manage the game's future support and content roadmap.
At this stage, further details about the formal end of the partnership, the timeline for the transfer of publishing responsibilities, and how IO Interactive will be affected have not been disclosed. Build a Rocket Boy is expected to make an announcement confirming the change in the coming days.