Build A Rocket Boy
Build A Rocket Boy is an Edinburgh-based independent game studio developing the MindsEye open-world game and the ARCADIA no-code user-generated content platform, distributed globally on PC and console storefronts for consumer gamers and UGC creators.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersEdinburgh, United Kingdom
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingSoftware
What Build A Rocket Boy does
Build A Rocket Boy Limited is an Edinburgh-based, privately-held independent game studio founded in 2016 by former Rockstar president Leslie Benzies. Its core commercial product is MindsEye, an open-world interactive video game distributed globally through Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store and Xsolla at a permanent $34.99 price point since April 2026, alongside a free starter pack offering. Underlying the game is ARCADIA, a proprietary no-code user-generated content (UGC) platform featuring a Creative System Toolkit, virtual currency system (CHIPS, BLING, STAMPS), Virtual Objects marketplace, multiplayer functionality, and revenue-share mechanics for 'Builders' who create ARCs (interactive experiences). In December 2024 the company acquired UK-based PlayFusion Limited as a wholly-owned subsidiary, adding game development capacity and bringing Mark Gerhard in as Co-CEO.
The studio monetises through three streams: one-time perpetual game license sales (e.g., MindsEye at $34.99), in-game virtual currency and Virtual Object purchases processed through third-party storefronts, and — once ARCADIA scales — marketplace commissions on Paid Access, Random Virtual Object mechanics, Resale transactions and revenue share to UGC creators. Customer segments include global game Players, UGC Builders/Creators, and potential Commercial Partners for in-game advertising via Sponsorship ARCs. Distribution is multi-channel through major digital storefronts with direct-to-consumer account management via account.buildarocketboy.com and Discord-based customer support.
Operationally the company is in significant distress. Following the June 2025 MindsEye launch — which received Metacritic scores of 28-37, an IGN 4/10 review, and approximately 3,302 peak concurrent Steam players — Build A Rocket Boy executed mass layoffs of 250-300 staff in summer 2025, faced legal action from 93 current/former employees via the IWGB Game Workers union over redundancy handling, and saw its IOI Partners publishing agreement terminated in March 2026. The studio has assumed self-publishing responsibilities and is attempting recovery via the ARCADIA multiplayer rollout, the 'Blacklisted' content update, the free starter pack, and ongoing investigations into alleged corporate sabotage and Teramind employee-monitoring software misuse.
Build A Rocket Boy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Build A Rocket Boy
- Legal name
- Build A Rocket Boy Limited
- Website
- https://buildarocketboy.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Build A Rocket Boy is an Edinburgh-based independent game studio developing the MindsEye open-world game and the ARCADIA no-code user-generated content platform, distributed globally on PC and console storefronts for consumer gamers and UGC creators.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Build A Rocket Boy industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Video Game Software
- NAICS
- Software Publishers (51321), Doll, Toy, and Game Manufacturing (33993)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Social/UGC & Sandbox Game Studios (Roblox-like) (MPAFAAAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Creator Marketplaces & Asset Stores (UGC items, skins, templates, plugins) (MPAFAIAC)
Keywords
Where Build A Rocket Boy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Edinburgh
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Build A Rocket Boy business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others
Revenue model
- Game License Sales: One-time perpetual license sales of games (e.g., MindsEye) sold through third-party platforms including Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and Xsolla. Includes price drops over time ($34.99) and free starter pack distribution.
- Virtual Currency and In-Game Items: Sale of virtual currencies (CHIPs, BLING, STAMPS) and Virtual Objects/Items within games, used to acquire ARCs and digital items. Licensed not sold; no monetary value outside games.
- Marketplace Commission on UGC Transactions: Commission on Paid Access transactions, Random Virtual Object sales, Resale of Virtual Objects, and revenue share for UGC creators on the ARCADIA platform.
- Self-Publishing (post-IOI Partners): Following termination of publishing agreement with IOI Partners in March 2026, Build A Rocket Boy assumed sole publishing responsibilities including marketing, distribution, localisation, and customer support for MindsEye.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | MindsEye Standard - $34.99 (permanent price across all platforms as of April 2026) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | MindsEye Virtual Currencies (CHIPs, BLING, STAMPS) |
| Freemium | Pay-as-you-go | MindsEye Free Starter Pack |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Build A Rocket Boy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Build A Rocket Boy develops and self-publishes interactive video games led by its debut open-world title MindsEye, supported by the ARCADIA no-code user-generated content platform. The studio enables third-party "Builders" to design and monetize interactive experiences (ARCs), Virtual Objects, Skins, and Avatars using the Creative System Toolkit, while players purchase game licenses, virtual currencies (CHIPs, BLING, STAMPS), and in-game items through global digital storefronts and the ARCADIA marketplace.
Product overview
Build A Rocket Boy offers a platform-plus-module portfolio centered on its debut open-world interactive video game MindsEye, supported by the ARCADIA no-code content creation and user-generated content platform, with acquired subsidiary PlayFusion contributing additional game development capabilities. MindsEye is the core commercial product and revenue driver, distributed across PC (Steam, Epic Games Store) and console (PlayStation, Xbox) storefronts, while ARCADIA functions as the underlying creative toolset that lets Builders create and publish ARCs (interactive experiences) and Virtual Objects such as STAMPS for use inside MindsEye and other Games. PlayFusion operates as a separate UK subsidiary game developer and publisher with its own website (ascendant.com). Together these products form a trans-media entertainment offering where the game, the creative platform, and the acquired studio are positioned to enable limitless online experiences and user-generated content.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- MindsEye: Interactive open-world video game developed and self-published by Build A Rocket Boy; the studio's flagship/debut title (launched June 2025).
- ARCADIA
Products and services
- MindsEye Build A Rocket Boy's debut open-world interactive video game, distributed on Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, and PlayStation. Supports Virtual Currencies (CHIPs, BLING, STAMPS), Virtual Objects, user-generated ARCs, and Builders who publish content for other users within the ARCADIA ecosystem.
- ARCADIA No-code content creation platform and user-generated content ecosystem providing the Creative System Toolkit (STAMPS, Skins, Avatars, Virtual Items) that Builders use to design and publish ARCs (interactive experiences) and Virtual Objects for use within Build A Rocket Boy's games. Includes virtual currency (CHIPs, BLING, STAMPS), Paid Access, Resale features, Trade functionality, revenue share for UGC creators, multiplayer mode, and anti-cheat systems.
Quantifiable outcome
- $110M Series D funding raised (2024)
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Build A Rocket Boy
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Build A Rocket Boy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration13 records
Feature5 records
Build A Rocket Boy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered major, flagship, core and minor.
- IO Interactive / IOI PartnersmajorIO Interactive's publishing division (IOI Partners) and Build A Rocket Boy concluded their publishing agreement for MindsEye effective March 16, 2026. The partnership was IO Interactive's first venture into third-party publishing and provided marketing, distribution, localisation, and customer support (but not funding). Termination followed MindsEye's poor launch with bugs and performance issues, leading BARB to cancel sponsored marketing streams and make further redundancies. The planned HITMAN crossover mission was scrapped as a result.
- PlayFusionflagshipBuild A Rocket Boy acquired UK-based game developer and publisher PlayFusion in December 2024 with plans to deliver next-generation immersive gaming experiences. Mark Gerhard joined as Co-CEO as part of the combined entity. PlayFusion Limited operates as a subsidiary and is referenced in BARB's Privacy Notice with its own website (ascendant.com) and privacy policy. The acquisition aimed to accelerate BARB's growth and enhance its offerings, including development of new titles and gaming platforms.
- MicrosoftcoreMicrosoft Store serves as a key distribution channel for Build A Rocket Boy's games including MindsEye on Xbox. Microsoft Services Agreement and Xbox Network Terms of Use govern the relationship. All Virtual items, Objects and Currencies on Xbox must be purchased through Microsoft's purchase process.
- Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation)corePlayStation Store is a primary distribution channel for MindsEye and future Build A Rocket Boy games. Sony Interactive Entertainment Network Europe Limited (SIENE) handles in-game store purchases. Software Product License Agreement, Terms of Service and User Agreement, and PlayStation Network Terms of Service apply. Sony Group Companies are third party beneficiaries of BARB's Terms.
- Epic Games (Epic Games Store)coreEpic Games Store serves as a PC distribution channel for Build A Rocket Boy games. Epic Games End User License Agreement (Epic EULA) applies. Epic is responsible for transactions via its in-game payment methods; refunds, disputes, and customer support related to such transactions are handled by Epic.
- Valve (Steam)coreSteam is a primary PC distribution platform for Build A Rocket Boy games. All Virtual items, Objects and Currencies via Steam must be processed through Steam's payment system. Build A Rocket Boy (not Valve) is responsible for game-play support and technical issues.
- XsollaminorXsolla is a third-party payment partner and storefront referenced in BARB's Terms of Use for purchases of games and in-game content.
- Build A Rocket Boy Ireland LimitedcoreBuild A Rocket Boy Ireland Limited is designated as BARB's legal representative in the European Union under Article 13 of the Digital Services Act. Based at Vistra Ireland, Block A, George's Quay Plaza, George's Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland. Receives EU regulatory and DSA-related inquiries.
- IWGB Game Workers (Union)minorIWGB Game Workers is the union representing Build A Rocket Boy employees that pursued legal action over alleged mishandling of redundancies following MindsEye's troubled launch in 2025. Approximately 93 employees/ex-employees were involved.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Build A Rocket Boy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Roblox Corporation: Operates the dominant user-generated content gaming platform. Directly comparable to Build A Rocket Boy's ARCADIA platform vision (no-code creation, virtual currency, creator revenue share), but at vastly greater scale and with a far more mature creator economy.
- Epic Games: Operator of Fortnite and Unreal Engine, with Fortnite Creative representing the most direct UGC gaming competitor to ARCADIA. Also a distribution partner of Build A Rocket Boy via the Epic Games Store, making it both competitor and channel.
- Rockstar Games: The studio where Build A Rocket Boy founder Leslie Benzies previously served as president. Comparable in terms of premium open-world game design ambition and AAA console/PC release model, and represents the pedigree benchmark that MindsEye was implicitly chasing.
- Valve Corporation: Operator of Steam (a primary distribution channel for MindsEye) and creator of Steam Workshop, one of the earliest UGC-content marketplaces inside games. Comparable as both a distribution partner and a long-running reference point for UGC marketplaces tied to game titles.
Direct peers
- Rec Room: Cross-platform UGC social gaming platform with no-code creation tools and a virtual economy. Closely comparable to ARCADIA in product model (user-built rooms/experiences, creator monetization), and a direct competitor for the same Builders-and-Players target audience.
- IO Interactive: Independent game developer/publisher (HITMAN franchise) whose publishing arm (IOI Partners) was Build A Rocket Boy's publishing partner for MindsEye before terminating the deal in March 2026. Comparable as an independent AAA studio with self-publishing capability now directly competing for the same publishing-channel relationships.
- Hello Games: Independent UK-based studio behind No Man's Sky, which famously recovered from a disastrous 2016 launch through sustained post-launch updates. Directly comparable in narrative (small indie studio, troubled AAA-scale launch, long post-launch recovery arc) and is the canonical 'comeback' analog for Build A Rocket Boy's current trajectory.
Emerging players
- Manticore Games (Core): Operates 'Core,' a free UGC game-making platform powered by Unreal Engine. Directly comparable to ARCADIA in the no-code game-creation category, though smaller and more community-focused than Build A Rocket Boy's premium-game-anchored approach.
- CCP Games: Developer of EVE Online, a persistent sandbox MMO with deep player-driven economies and user-generated content. Comparable to ARCADIA's vision of player-creator-led trans-media experiences, and a similar niche-scale independent studio.
Others
- Unity Software: Provider of the Unity game engine and creator-economy tooling. Comparable as enabling technology for UGC game creation — relevant to ARCADIA's underlying content-creation toolkit and a benchmark for the kind of platform business model Build A Rocket Boy is attempting with ARCADIA.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Build A Rocket Boy social profiles
Digital presenceBuild A Rocket Boy compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Build A Rocket Boy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Build A Rocket Boy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Build A Rocket Boy subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Build A Rocket Boy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors11 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Build A Rocket Boy M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Build A Rocket Boy
What does Build A Rocket Boy do?
Build A Rocket Boy develops and self-publishes interactive video games led by its debut open-world title MindsEye, supported by the ARCADIA no-code user-generated content platform. The studio enables third-party "Builders" to design and monetize interactive experiences (ARCs), Virtual Objects, Skins, and Avatars using the Creative System Toolkit, while players purchase game licenses, virtual currencies (CHIPs, BLING, STAMPS), and in-game items through global digital storefronts and the ARCADIA marketplace.
Is Build A Rocket Boy a public or private company?
Build A Rocket Boy is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Build A Rocket Boy founded?
Build A Rocket Boy was founded in 2016. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Build A Rocket Boy based?
Build A Rocket Boy is headquartered in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Build A Rocket Boy make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Game License Sales are the primary driver. The others are virtual Currency and In-Game Items, marketplace Commission on UGC Transactions and self-Publishing (post-IOI Partners).
Who are Build A Rocket Boy's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Roblox Corporation, Epic Games, Rockstar Games and Valve Corporation. Direct peers are Rec Room, IO Interactive and Hello Games. Emerging players are Manticore Games (Core) and CCP Games. Unity Software is listed as an others.
Does Build A Rocket Boy have an API?
No public API is recorded for Build A Rocket Boy.
What industry is Build A Rocket Boy in?
Build A Rocket Boy's product category is Video Game Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAFAAAF, Social/UGC & Sandbox Game Studios (Roblox-like), with a secondary code of MPAFAIAC, Creator Marketplaces & Asset Stores (UGC items, skins, templates, plugins). Its NAICS code is 51321 and its SIC code is 7371.