IOI Partners no longer wants anything to do with MindsEye
IOI Partners has stepped down as the publisher of MindsEye, the critically panned title from Build A Rocket Boy (BARB).
The Danish publisher—a division of Hitman developer IO Interactive—concluded its collaboration with MindsEye on March 16, 2026. BARB will now assume sole publishing responsibilities for the title.
"IOI Partners' involvement with MindsEye comes to an end, except for any essential transitional functions required to transfer publisher-of-record status to Build A Rocket Boy," reads a press release.
"Build A Rocket Boy will assume sole publishing responsibilities going forward, ensuring continuity for the MindsEye community and all partners. IOI Partners and BARB are coordinating closely to ensure a seamless transition over the coming weeks."
Notably, the separation means a planned Hitman crossover event within MindsEye will no longer take place. BARB said it still intends on collaborating with other partners in the future.
Whether those plans come to fruition remains to be seen. The UK studio, which was established by former Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies, is currently in disarray after making widespread layoffs following the launch of MindsEye while also claiming it has fallen victim to 'corporate sabotage.'
Two key BARB executives also departed the studio one week before MindsEye hit shelves. Following the launch of MindsEye, a number of current and former BARB workers signed an open letter to surface allegations of mismanagement and crunch.
The letter, published with assistance from the Game Workers Branch of the Independent Workers of Great Britain union, said that between 250 to 300 workers had been subject to "longstanding disrespect and mistreatment" during their time at the studio.
