Build A Rocket Boy could certainly have done without this latest controversy. Following the disastrous launch of MindsEye and rumors of internal sabotage, the developer now finds itself in the crosshairs of its own employees.
Employees who are members of the video game workers’ union IWGB have decided to file a lawsuit against Build A Rocket Boy. They accuse management of violating data privacy through the use of software called Teramind. Based on AI, it provides “proactive protection against internal threats, data breaches, productivity losses, and compliance issues”.
Following a collective complaint signed by 40 employees, Build A Rocket Boy removed Teramind from its employees’ devices last March. However, studio executives reportedly refuse to disclose the nature of the data collected or how it was stored. The union has therefore filed a lawsuit.
“BARB’s use of 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 and without their consent.
In an internal meeting which was leaked to the press, bosses Mark Gerhard and Leslie Benzies confirmed that the software Teramind had been installed without workers’ knowledge. The programme tracks users’ key strokes, records screen activity and captures microphone audio.”
It’s unfortunate to see a studio facing such challenges. Hopefully, the situation can be resolved smoothly for everyone involved. It’s always tough when controversies arise in the industry.