Build a Rocket Boy can’t stay out of the news. And, once again, it’s for reasons unrelated to its game, Mindseye.
The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), representing employees at Build a Rocket Boy, has taken legal action against the company, alleging data privacy violations.
The allegations stem from Build a Rocket Boy installing Teramind surveillance software onto employee hardware without their knowledge.
In February, Insider Gaming was the first to report on the installation of this software on employee PCs. Teramind is used to track user activity such as keystrokes and screen behavior. At the time, Co-CEO—or sole CEO?—Mark Gerhard said that it was done to “see the IT team periodically try and improve our security measures” and that he “hated” the fact they had to monitor.
In an email sent out to media, the IWGB says that recent actions by the studio regarding the software “violates both data protection laws and the workforce’s basic dignity, exceeding the legitimate remit of monitoring workers’ productivity or safeguarding the company’s security by recording individuals in their homes without their consent.”
This software, IWGB says, was removed in March after 40 employees signed a grievance against the studio. No reason as to why the data was being collected was allegedly provided to staff.
IWGB member and lead cinematic animator Chris Wilson called Build a Rocket Boy’s culture of secrecy and micromanaging “one of the worst” he’s seen in his 20 years in the industry.
“While they have conceded to our headline demand of removing Teramind from our devices, many questions still remain about their actions,” Wilson said. “It can only be assumed that this software was added as a part of their effort to micromanage us, a product of their mistrust of their employees. It created an atmosphere of unease, something that doesn’t lead to great video game production.”
Build a Rocket Boy has not responded to requests for comment on the latest action taken by the IWGB. If a response is received, it will be added to this story.
In other news, read about the massive settlement NZXT agreed to in response to a class action lawsuit over its Flex PC rental program. And for even more Insider Gaming delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
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Probably the agency doing this with promises of unions to devs.