Build a Rocket Boy (BARB), developer of the troubled *MindsEye* game, has terminated its publishing partnership with IO Interactive (IOI Partners), the company behind the *Hitman* series. This ends a planned crossover event between the two games announced in June 2025. BARB will now publish *MindsEye* independently, taking sole responsibility for the troubled title.

The split follows significant internal turmoil at BARB, including layoffs and accusations of sabotage against co-CEO Leslie Benzies, who previously led Rockstar North. Employees publicly accused Benzies of mismanaging the game and bungling layoffs, claims he countered by alleging sabotage from both internal and external sources. The cancellation of the *Hitman* crossover mission is a major setback for both companies, particularly for BARB which faces the challenge of salvaging *MindsEye* after recent workforce reductions.

The publishing deal, initially seen as promising due to Benzies' pedigree, quickly soured due to widespread criticism of *MindsEye*'s bugs, story, and gameplay upon release. IOI Partners' involvement has now concluded, except for essential transitional functions to transfer publishing rights. This development leaves BARB solely accountable for the future of *MindsEye* and its troubled development team.