Build a Rocket Boy
CompanyUnited Kingdom · Founded 2016
Documents about Build a Rocket Boy
Article
Noxious Fumes
The global video game industry, particularly the Western triple-A sector, is currently facing a profound existential crisis characterized by unsustainable development costs and a lack of strategic direction.
- The Western triple-A game industry is facing an existential crisis driven by unsustainable development costs, prompting calls for a shift toward the financially disciplined model used by Japanese developers like Capcom.
- Capcom maintains profitability by keeping budgets in check, retaining long-term staff, and avoiding decade-long development cycles for tentpole franchises like Resident Evil and Monster Hunter.
- The industry is increasingly reliant on 'Myhrvold’s Law,' where software expands to fill available computing power, leading to bloated development that many industry experts argue must be reined in.
Hit PointsSep 2026
Article
Hit Points #373: Serious Hat
This commentary reflects on the current state of the video game industry from the perspective of a consultant balancing professional obligations with critical analysis.
- Nintendo is increasing the price of the Switch 2 by $50/€50, effective in August, citing changes in market conditions and global economic outlook.
- Both Microsoft and Sony reported significant declines in hardware sales, yet are focusing on next-gen offerings; Microsoft with 'Project Helix' and Sony increasing investments for its next-generation platform.
- CCP Games, maker of EVE Online, bought itself back from parent company Pearl Abyss for $120 million (less than half of the 2018 acquisition price of $225 million), rebranding as Fenris Creations and securing investment from Omega Ventures and Google's Deepmind.
Hit PointsMay 2026
Article
Another Group of MindsEye Authors Has Been Laid Off
The game development studio Build a Rocket Boy has undergone a significant workforce reduction, marking a sharp decline in its operational scale.
- Build a Rocket Boy has reduced its workforce to approximately 80 employees following a recent layoff of 170 staff members.
- The studio’s current headcount represents a 90% reduction from its peak size of over 800 employees.
- The downsizing aligns with public statements made in March 2026 by co-head Mark Gerhard, who expressed an intent to reduce the team to at least 100 people.
Game World ObserverMay 2026
Article
Games for Change London: Schedule Announced, 02/04/2026
The Games for Change London conference, scheduled for April 15, 2026, at the Leonardo Tower Bridge Hotel, focuses on the theme of Community Channelled.
- The Games for Change London conference will take place on April 15, 2026, at the Leonardo Tower Bridge Hotel, featuring over 45 speakers and 150 attendees focused on leveraging player communities for social impact.
- Major industry partners supporting the event include Roblox, Xsolla, Ubisoft, and Supercell, with scholarship programs provided by organizations like UK Game Angels to support students and indie developers.
- Conference programming includes a UNICEF-led workshop on the RITEC Design Toolbox for children’s well-being and sessions on using games to influence urban design and sustainable consumer behavior.
Video Games Industry MemoApr 2026