MindsEye Developers Seek Clarity on Surveillance Practices
- MindsEye staff demand transparency about data collection
- Legal action follows undisclosed installation of surveillance software
- Union voices concerns over corporate accountability and privacy
Concerns are escalating at MindsEye developer Build A Rocket Boy (BARB) as employees led by the IWGB Game Workers Union pursue legal action regarding undisclosed surveillance practices. The company had previously installed Teramind monitoring software on employees' devices without their consent, which was subsequently removed after a grievance was filed by 40 workers.
The IWGB union has been vocal about the lack of transparency from BARB's leadership, stating, "They failed to explain what data was collected, how it was used, and why the software was installed." The situation is now being addressed with authorities such as ACAS and the Information Commissioner's Office.
Founded in 2016 by former Rockstar executive Leslie Benzies, BARB's debut title, MindsEye, has experienced a tumultuous reception, with reports of excessive crunch time and improper handling of layoffs following its launch.