Build a Rocket Boy Dev Details the Making of MindsEye’s World

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In the forthcoming action-adventure game titled “MindsEye “, the story unfolds in the technologically advanced city of Redrock, which is essentially an urban jungle of drones and robots. However, living in Redrock isn’t a utopia – it’s under the watchful eye of the oppressive Silva Corp surveillance system, and beyond its walls lies the treacherous desert landscape with unpredictable weather patterns and climate changes. The world of “MindsEye” is an intriguing blend of nature and technology that results in a truly distinctive backdrop.

Game Rant interviewed Build A Rocket Boy, the developer of MindsEye, about the crafting of its immersive world, a vibrant yet perilous “near-future Americana”. They delved into the artistic influences behind Redrock City, the freedom given to players through the Build.MindsEye system that shapes an engaging sandbox environment, the impact of protagonist Jacob Diaz’s MindsEye neural implant on gameplay, and more. (The conversation has been condensed for clarity.)

The “Near-Future Americana” Of Redrock City

Could you elaborate on your approach to creating worlds in your games? What resources or creative inspirations have influenced the development of the game’s environment and atmosphere?

Our approach to constructing this world is based on three primary visual foundations: a realistic portrayal of contemporary American life, the emergence of sophisticated technology and artificial intelligence, and the far-reaching effects of severe climate change. These themes are subtly incorporated into the game’s visual aspects, from environmental elements to character development.

We’ve aimed to construct a city that appears vibrant and authentic. This metropolis is set against the backdrop of desert and red rock mountains, forming a vast urban scape. The city showcases various districts, corporate dominance, and the seamless incorporation of drones and robots in daily activities. Our characters mirror this world, ranging from key figures like Jacob, Seb, and Rigby to ordinary citizens carrying out their daily tasks.

In Redrock’s universe, the city itself grapples with the repercussions of intensifying climate issues, such as higher temperatures and fierce sandstorms, which have significantly impacted it, particularly in the less affluent districts. The harsh realities of climate change contribute to the setting’s mood and dramatic tension, making Redrock’s world more immersive and realistic.

Was there any influence from actual “intelligent cities” such as Singapore or Helsinki on the development of Redrock as a city?

A: Redrock City isn’t like the cities we usually think of as cultural references, since it’s a near-future dystopia in America. Smart cities are not created by AI, but rather through social measures and thoughtful urban planning. Redrock City is quite different from a smart city, which adds to its intrigue and makes it an interesting setting to delve into.

Redrock, our fictional metropolis, sits squarely amidst the arid desert, lending it an intriguing character right off the bat. Encircled by expansive natural vistas, diverse landscapes, and occasionally challenging terrains, this contrast gives a unique visual appeal to the gaming experience. As a city of the not-so-distant future, it’s dominated by technology, with AI, drones, biotech implants, and automation shaping the majority of its systems.

In the realm of Redrock, I find an enigmatic ambiance that’s uniquely its own. Cool and collected, it exudes a palpable tension that lends character to this urban landscape. As twilight descends and surfaces mirror back eerie reflections, there’s a subtle feeling that the environment is watching over you. It’s a place I recognize yet remain wary of – grounded, immersive, brimming with stories waiting to unfold.

Q: Overall, how would you describe the artistic direction of Redrock?

A: The design aesthetic of the game “MindsEye” is known as “Grounded Futurism.” This style combines ideas about the near future with today’s reality, resulting in a visually engaging experience that feels both creative and relatable. Throughout development, we have strived to create high-quality visuals that resonate emotionally and aesthetically with players.

In creating the realm of Redrock, we drew significantly from modern American landscapes, particularly those around Nevada and Las Vegas. This inspiration allowed us to construct a richly layered world featuring diverse locales, intriguing characters, one-of-a-kind vehicles, and authentic businesses. Each element contributes to the city’s history and economic and social fabric in a meaningful way.

In the upcoming timeframe, we were granted a lot of room for imaginative expression as we expanded upon the solid bases established earlier. This flexibility was evident in our portrayal of burgeoning technologies and environmental effects, all while maintaining a realistic and engaging environment.

MindsEye Tells An Ambitious Story In A Technology-Centered World

Is it possible for you to provide some insights on the level of interactivity in the sandbox? Specifically, are there numerous interactive areas within the environment, particularly indoor spaces?

drivers speed away when they hear gunshots (or they retaliate!), traffic slows down due to accidents, and life thrives in abundance… Moreover, the platform Build.MindsEye will generate more content as we progress and our community of builders expands.

As a gamer, diving into this adventure, you’ll find yourself traversing numerous intriguing interiors ripe for gameplay. You’ve got the freedom to tweak and customize these spaces using the powerful tool, Build.Mindseye. Post-launch, we’ve got even more captivating locations in store for you to shape and conquer!

Question: Could you elaborate a bit on the drive behind MindsEye? What makes this theme so prominent?

A: It’s quite simple really: we wanted to make a good and memorable game. Simple as that.

With Play.MindsEye and Build.MindsEye, we harbor lofty aspirations, and there are other significant themes we wished to delve into. However, at the heart of it all, our ultimate aim has been, is now, and always will be, to create an exceptional game that offers enjoyment, a captivating narrative, and awe-inspiring sights – something that leaves you with cherished (or even bittersweet) recollections.

MindsEye harmonizes with the current era: it’s centered around AI, large corporations, big egos, surveillance, and other themes. However, fundamentally, its goal is simply to provide an enjoyable experience for our players, fostering cherished memories, and offering opportunities for continued engagement if you choose to return as a player or contributor.

Q: What was the starting point for the development of the story?

As a fan, I’d put it this way: Most of the ideas came from simply observing life, people, and how we evolve and adapt, the things we decide to overlook or embrace. When we first embarked on this journey, much of the technology we were delving into seemed straight out of a sci-fi novel. But time has flown by, and now it all feels disconcertingly real. This transformation gave the narrative an added sense of urgency, making it feel less like a prediction and more like a mirror of reality. The world-building was about finding a harmonious blend between plausibility and storytelling; we didn’t want it to appear overly dystopian. There’s a gravity to the tale, but we also infused it with a touch of wonder and even humor in certain parts. It’s not merely about what might go wrong; it’s about how Jacob struggles to preserve his identity amidst all the chaos.

Given the type of MindsEye implant as depicted in the title, how psychologically intense or thought-provoking might the players anticipate this thriller narrative to be?

Our narrative is multifaceted, with some elements subtly woven into it. Certain aspects of our story are suggested rather than explicitly shown, such as through careful camera work and skilled acting.

Absolutely, we delve into Jacob’s psychological depth, exploring his past experiences and their impact on him as an individual. Some of his actions may seem dubious, but we aim to keep the reasons behind them ambiguous, fostering curiosity about his motivations and mental state. This humanizes our characters, making them relatable with their flaws and imperfections. Despite their selfish moments, their humanity shines through every scene, every spoken word. An experiment might not always lead to personal growth, and it doesn’t require a failed experiment for a person to crack under pressure.

Question: Could you explain the strategy you used when blending technology into both the storyline and game mechanics in Redrock, as well as how you made it seem seamless and integral to the overall experience?

In the discussion earlier, it was pointed out that technology progress is one of the key elements defining MindsEye’s visual foundation. Since our inception, we’ve strived to make this technology not just a part of the scenery, but an active participant shaping both the narrative and the player’s journey.

In our storyline, we familiarize players with crucial tech gadgets such as the Goldfield Lenz, which facilitates communication and navigation within the vast game environment. Along their adventure, players will interact with various electric vehicles. Their initial experiences involve managing drones for flight and cars, with the engagement progressing to a more intimate connection with a companion drone that plays a crucial role in advanced parts of the game.

In numerous parts of Redrock’s urban landscape, technology has become a prominent feature. Players will observe holographic advertisements lighting up the streets, robots performing various tasks, drones delivering goods throughout the city, and mechanical law enforcers monitoring public spaces. It’s hard to overlook the significant impact that tech giants have had on Redrock’s infrastructure, as technology has become an integral part of its daily life.

What role do the decisions made by players have on shaping the plot and character progression within the game, if any?

In brief: they won’t. Instead, we are narrating the tale of Jacob through “MindsEye.” Furthermore, players can also experience creating their own narrative via “Build.Mindseye,” and we have robust post-release content planned for a powerful player experience.

Q: How did sound design influence atmosphere?

B: Designing the sound played a crucial role in creating the atmosphere of our game. It helped make the futuristic backdrop feel more tangible and emotionally engaging by adding depth to it. Instead of merely complementing visuals, we employed sounds to mold the player’s understanding of the world. The deep rumblings from distant factories, the static emitted by faulty machinery, the ominous quietness following firefights — all were carefully crafted to emphasize the setting as being technologically advanced yet precarious and tense.

In our design, we purposefully varied the soundtrack: intense sounds during critical situations and subtle music for less action-packed scenes to intensify the sense of discomfort. This strategic use of audio allowed us to influence player feelings and emphasize key story elements such as isolation, urgency, and resistance, aspects that visuals alone might not fully convey.

In essence, sound evolved as an emotional guide throughout the encounter. The art of sound design has been inspired by potential future technologies that may manifest during our lifetimes. This inspiration has enabled us to craft a distinctive flavor, one that evokes a science fiction ambiance while still being grounded in our present time.

Our team has innovated an exclusive audio system for spatial sound (which we’ve patented), designed to generate authentic and enveloping audio effects in a changing environment. The cinematic-style audio emphasis lets you immerse yourself in a movie-like experience, as performers are prompted to deliver their lines with physical realism for a more natural performance.

Although our game follows a linear path, it was heavily influenced by the interactive nature of characters in open-world games. We’ve amassed a vast collection of NPC voices and employed both artificial intelligence and scripted systems to craft an engaging environment that gives the impression of a bustling world inhabited by individuals living their own lives.

The Future Of MindsEye

Q: Can you discuss the episodic approach? What does that mean for MindsEye exactly?

A: Absolutely not, without giving away major plot points! Essentially, consider MindsEye as a self-contained universe with its unique set of stories and beliefs, which we plan to expand further.

In simpler terms, how exactly does MindsEye work in conjunction with the Everywhere platform, and what advantages does this integration provide to the gamers?

MindsEye leads the next evolution of game-building which we beta tested in Everywhere:

  • User-Friendly Tools: Intuitive world-building with simple 3D visual scripting, drag-and-drop asset placement, and AI integration
  • Collaborative Stamp Building: Effortlessly design, publish, and share new inventions asynchronously.
  • High asset portability allows dozens – even hundreds – of creators to contribute, remix public creations, and drive continuous innovation.

Initially, Arcadia was intended to serve as our platform for creating new products. However, as we advanced with the development of MindsEye and expanded the ecosystem for Build A Rocket Boy, it organically transformed into a more specialized entity—Play.Mindsye and Build. MindsEye.

As a gamer, I needed to ensure that “Build A Rocket Boy” lived up to its potential. So, during the secretive development stages of our groundbreaking game, “MindsEye,” I chose to test our AAA-creation system with a dedicated community of builders in real time. This process began with Everywhere, laying the foundation for the ultimate gaming experience we envisioned.

Q: What tips or advice would you give to MindsEye players looking to utilize the creation tools?

A: Have fun with it. That’s the biggest thing.

Question: Could you share some insights on the post-release strategies for MindsEye? What sort of improvements or modifications can players anticipate, and do we have a regular schedule for when these updates will be rolled out?

As a dedicated gamer, I’m excited to dive into the immersive world of MindsEye. Unlike most games, this isn’t just a linear adventure with some exploration thrown in. Oh no, we’ve got something far more intriguing up our sleeves!

We’ve designed side content that gives players the freedom to explore what would typically be an open-world game. But here’s where MindsEye truly shines – our city isn’t just a setting for a single storyline. Instead, imagine it as a versatile film set, where numerous films of varying themes are shot. Each corner, each alleyway, and every building could be the backdrop for a completely different experience! It’s an innovative approach never before seen in a AAA game, making MindsEye a must-play for any adventure seeker like myself.

In this initial part, we don’t split into separate storylines, instead, it sets up the foundation for a vast, interconnected story world that spans numerous titles over time. Further additions will delve into various timelines, realms, and narrative threads, increasing complexity and potential convergence as we move forward.

At first, players will become immersed in a story that shapes the world and their adventure through Redrock. As the tale unfolds, they’ll explore a substantial part of the map. Our world offers diverse settings, including indoor and outdoor locations, designed to offer an enjoyable gaming experience.

In the future, we plan to transform the entire city into a dynamic playground where players can explore unique experiences beyond simply enjoying our narrative. This expanded environment will provide opportunities for players to create their own narratives, offering a degree of freedom unprecedented in gaming.

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2025-06-05 16:07