Mindseye: The Unconventional Launch of a New Game from Ex-Rockstar President

A Bizarre Start

The launch of Mindseye, the debut game from Build a Rocket Boy, led by former Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies, has taken a decidedly strange turn. The Mindseye game launch controversy has made headlines unlike typical video game launches, which often follow a predictable pattern of reviews and anticipation. Mindseye has emerged into the gaming world under a cloud of confusion and controversy.

What is Mindseye?

Mindseye is a third-person action-adventure game that combines shooting and driving elements. Players take on the role of Jacob, who embarks on a quest to uncover his truth in a world dominated by AI, high-tech experimentation, and unchecked military power. The official Steam description hints at a narrative-driven experience, but many critics find the storyline generic and lacking a unique hook amidst the Mindseye game launch controversy.

Despite these concerns, interest in Mindseye has persisted, largely due to its development team. Benzies, known for his work on the Grand Theft Auto series, has brought his expertise to this new project, and gameplay trailers reveal a clear influence from the iconic franchise.

A Rocky Road to Launch

Originally conceived as part of Build a Rocket Boy’s Everywhere—a platform blending MMO and Roblox-like elements—Mindseye evolved into a standalone title. As anticipation built steadily since its teaser in 2022, the Mindseye game launch controversy took a turn for the bizarre in May 2025, just weeks before launch.

Negative pre-release feedback circulated on social media, with one fan labeling Mindseye “a broken mess, filled with bugs.” In response, co-CEO Mark Gerhard claimed that those sharing negative opinions were “100 percent” funded by an unknown entity. He hinted at a smear campaign targeting both Mindseye and Build a Rocket Boy, likely referencing the ongoing legal disputes between Benzies and Rockstar.

Executive Departures and Concerns

Adding to the oddity of the Mindseye game launch controversy, the company lost two key executives—chief legal officer Riley Graebner and CFO Paul Bland—just one week before the game’s release. As one Discord member pointed out, “People don’t bail right before they think they’re releasing a hit usually,” highlighting the unusual circumstances surrounding the launch.

A Mysterious Release

Despite the strange pre-launch events, many at Polygon were eager to experience Mindseye firsthand. However, in a troubling sign, no media outlets, including Polygon, received review codes for the game. This lack of access raises concerns about the game’s quality and the transparency of its launch.

Additionally, Xbox players faced further complications. Build a Rocket Boy announced that the 16 GB day one patch, intended to improve gameplay, visuals, stability, and performance, would not be ready for Xbox Series X on launch day. However, the company later confirmed that the patch is on its way.

Launch Day and Beyond

Mindseye officially releases on June 10 for Windows PC, Xbox, and PlayStation 5, following its appearance at the Summer Game Fest. Whether the game is worth playing remains uncertain, but for those curious enough to save $60, the entire campaign is already available to watch on YouTube. As the saying goes, when it rains, it pours, and Mindseye has certainly experienced its share of downpours leading up to its launch.

Source: Polygon