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“Sabotaged from within”: MindsEye boss blames internal and external forces for game’s failure

The launch of MindsEye was supposed to mark a bold new chapter for former Rockstar producer Leslie Benzies and his studio Build A Rocket Boy. Instead, it’s become one of 2025’s most high-profile flops, and now, Benzies is pointing fingers.

In a video call to staff on July 2, Benzies reportedly claimed that the game’s disastrous release was due in part to “internal and external saboteurs”, according to reports from IGN.

A troubled launch, and a studio in crisis

MindsEye, a third-person sci-fi action game embedded within the Everywhere platform, launched on June 10 to overwhelmingly negative reviews. Critics and players cited:

  • Game-breaking bugs and performance issues
  • Uninspired mission design and clunky mechanics
  • A lack of polish despite years of development

The backlash was so severe that PlayStation issued refunds, and the game currently holds a Metacritic score of 28 on PS5, the lowest of the year.

“A concerted effort to trash the game”

Benzies isn’t the only one making bold claims. Back in May, Build A Rocket Boy co-CEO Mark Gerhard also alleged that there was a “coordinated effort” to sabotage the game’s reputation, though no evidence has been presented publicly.

Some insiders have speculated that the accusations may be aimed at former Rockstar colleagues or disgruntled ex-employees, but others, including MindsEye’s own publisher IO Interactive, have dismissed the theory outright.

“I don’t believe that,” said IOI CEO Hakan Abrak. “The game should speak for itself.”

Layoffs and a possible relaunch

As of early July, Build A Rocket Boy has begun a 45-day consultation period in the UK, signaling potential layoffs for over 100 employees. Staff at PlayFusion, a studio acquired by BARB in 2024, are also affected.

Despite the turmoil, Benzies reportedly told staff that the studio would “relaunch” MindsEye in the future, taking player feedback into account. Whether that means a full overhaul or a No Man’s Sky-style redemption arc remains unclear.

With Everywhere still in development and MindsEye’s reputation in tatters, Build A Rocket Boy faces an uphill battle. The studio has not issued a public statement addressing the sabotage claims, and it’s unclear how, or if, it plans to rebuild trust with players.

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