MindsEye CEO Believes Negative Reaction is a Paid Effort Against the Studio

Summary

  • Build a Rocket Boy’s co-CEO claims some people may have been paid to say negative things about MindsEye.
  • Previews for MindsEye described the upcoming title as a “broken mess, filled with bugs.”
  • MindsEye launches for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on June 10.

Mark Gerhard, one of the co-CEOs at MindsEye development studio, responsible for creating Build a Rocket Boy, has asserted that some individuals are being compensated to express unfavorable opinions about the forthcoming game. Notably, MindsEye is the debut project from Build a Rocket Boy, and Leslie Benzies, former president of Rockstar North who contributed to every Grand Theft Auto title from Grand Theft Auto 3 to Grand Theft Auto 5, is leading the development team.

Following initial playful jibes at Gamescom 2022, Build a Rocket Boy subsequently unveiled its full title in 2023, followed by disclosing that MindsEye would be handled by the Hitman studio, IO Interactive, in 2024. With an appearance reminiscent of games like Cyberpunk 2077, Grand Theft Auto, and Watch Dogs, this game is set to debut on June 10 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. However, recent previews have garnered mixed responses from fans, with some likening it to the contentious and short-lived game The Day Before.

MindsEye Boss Claims Negative Reaction Is a Paid Effort

Following the release of previews for MindsEye last week, Mark Gerhard, co-CEO of Build a Rocket Boy, has implied that critics may be financially incentivized to express negative opinions about the game. Eurogamer reports that these initial reviews described the title as a “broken mess,” riddled with bugs, and criticized the stiffness of driving and lack of depth in enemy encounters. In response to this unfavorable feedback, Gerhard addressed a fan on Discord who suggested that people were being paid off, stating that there is a deliberate attempt by certain individuals who wish to hinder the success of Leslie or Build A Rocket Boy to discredit the game and studio by spreading negative reviews.

Based on IGN’s report, Gerhard later retracted his extravagant statements when faced with questions from another Discord user. Specifically, one user inquired, “Are you suggesting that content creators or others have been bribed to criticize MindsEye?” To which Gerhard responded, “I never claimed that. However, I am aware that automated accounts are posting negative comments and dislikes.

Approaching in less than two weeks is the highly-anticipated game titled MindsEye, a narrative-driven, single-player action-adventure thriller set in the futuristic desert city of Redrock. The studio has boasted about its “top-tier” cinematics, adrenaline-pumping racing, and intense combat sequences. The latest trailer for this upcoming title unveiled the post-release plan for MindsEye, which will offer both free and premium content. The premium pass, available for purchase, will provide additional missions and cosmetic packs throughout summer, autumn, and winter, while the free version will include new missions, game modes, multiplayer features, open-world updates, and more.

Redrock, the fictional city in MindsEye, shares resemblance with cities in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Grand Theft Auto 5. However, unlike these action-adventure games, it doesn’t offer an open world. Instead, as stated by the game’s assistant director Adam Whiting (via Eurogamer), MindsEye is primarily a linear narrative title.

Read More

2025-05-28 18:14