On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the highly anticipated MindsEye, developed by Build a Rocket Boy, founded by former GTA producer Leslie Benzies, hit the market for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Set in the futuristic city of Redrock, the action-adventure game promises an intense narrative, explosive combat, and cutting-edge graphics, but its launch was overshadowed by controversies involving streamer restrictions and contentious statements from the company’s co-CEO. Priced from $162.00 on Steam to $299.90 on the PS Store, with stringent system requirements, the title demands a significant investment from players. The story follows Jacob Diaz, a former soldier with a neural implant triggering fragmented memories, in a world dominated by AI and corruption. The game, blending elements of GTA, Cyberpunk 2077, and Max Payne, is now available, but pre-launch tensions raise questions about its reception.
The project marks Benzies’ return, who left Rockstar North in 2016 after contributing to hits like GTA V and Red Dead Redemption. Since founding Build a Rocket Boy in 2018, MindsEye has been pitched as a narrative-driven single-player experience built on Unreal Engine 5. The city of Redrock, described as a desert metropolis under constant surveillance, serves as the backdrop for a story exploring the interplay of technology and power.
To highlight the game’s unique features, the developer showcased gameplay details during a presentation last Sunday, June 8. The event, led by assistant director Adam Whiting, featured a mission where Jacob battles robotic enemies amid a martial law scenario. Key features included:
- Use of drones to stun or temporarily convert enemies into allies.
- Portals leading to side missions with additional narrative context.
- Varied combat, including on-foot shootouts, vehicle driving, and aerial sequences.
A launch surrounded by controversies
MindsEye’s arrival wasn’t just celebrated for its technical ambition but also marred by friction with the community. A major controversy involved Build a Rocket Boy’s attempt to control live streams of the game before its official release. The developer imposed restrictions to prevent streamers from showcasing gameplay before a global unified time, even in regions where physical copies were already available. The measure sparked backlash, with some players blocking the company’s official account to continue streaming.
Another point of contention arose from statements by co-CEO Mark Gerhard during a Q&A session on the game’s official Discord. He suggested that negative pre-launch criticism was part of a paid campaign to sabotage the project, claiming “100%” certainty of external interests at play. The baseless accusation was poorly received by players and journalists, who criticized its lack of evidence. The situation worsened when IO Interactive, the game’s publisher known for Hitman, distanced itself from the claims. IO’s CEO, Hakan Abrak, stated that the game’s reception would depend solely on its quality, dismissing any conspiracy.
Demanding technical requirements for PC
MindsEye requires robust hardware to run on PC, reflecting its use of Unreal Engine 5 and next-gen graphics. Build a Rocket Boy released specifications that demand modern hardware, even for minimum settings, potentially limiting access for some players. Below are the detailed requirements:
- Minimum: Windows 10/11 (64-bit), Intel Core i5-12400F or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor, 16 GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 5600 (6 GB VRAM) graphics card, 70 GB SSD storage.
- Recommended: Intel Core i7-13700K or AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor, 16 GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT (8 GB VRAM) graphics card, 70 GB SSD storage.
The SSD requirement and need for recent processors indicate the game is designed to leverage current technologies, but the lack of details on resolution or frame rate (FPS) for minimum settings left some players uncertain about expected performance.
Prices vary across platforms
MindsEye’s cost also drew attention, with significant price differences across platforms. The PC version is the most affordable, while the PS5 edition carries the highest price tag. Check out the prices:
- Steam (PC): $162.00.
- Microsoft Store (Xbox Series X|S): $222.45.
- PS Store (PS5): $299.90.
Those who pre-ordered received a free upgrade to the Deluxe edition, which includes perks like the Premium Pass, an exclusive weapon (Thorn & Kepler Yellowjacket), futuristic skins for Jacob’s vest, DC-2 drone, and Silva Sedan vehicle, plus access to extra missions and challenges slated for 2025 and 2026.
The story and world of Redrock
MindsEye’s narrative centers on Jacob Diaz, a former special operations soldier grappling with the secrets of his neural implant, known as MindsEye. The story unfolds in Redrock, a fictional city where algorithms and robots ensure supposed security but conceal corruption and dangerous tech experiments. The plot explores the conflict between Marco Silva, the eccentric head of Silva Industries, and Shiva Vega, Redrock’s authoritarian mayor, with Jacob caught in the crossfire.
The game promises a linear experience with high-quality cinematics and a mix of intense shootouts, vehicle driving, and aerial sequences. Redrock is described as a richly detailed environment, with dense urban areas and industrial zones offering variety in missions.
Innovative gameplay features
During the IO Interactive showcase, Build a Rocket Boy highlighted elements that set MindsEye apart from other action games. The ability to use drones to manipulate robotic enemies adds a tactical layer to combat, while portals to side missions expand the narrative without derailing the main campaign. A content creation system, called Build.MindsEye, was also announced, allowing players to craft custom missions using the game’s assets.
The developer plans to release regular updates, with new premium content monthly, including missions and challenges. This model aims to keep players engaged long-term, though it’s unclear how the community will respond to this approach.
Initial reception and expectations
In the days leading up to the launch, MindsEye generated significant buzz due to Leslie Benzies’ track record and the promise of a game blending deep storytelling with modern mechanics. However, controversies over streamer restrictions and Gerhard’s statements created an atmosphere of distrust. The player community is divided, with some praising the visuals and gameplay shown in trailers, while others question the developer’s stance.
IO Interactive, as the publisher, is banking on the game’s quality to overcome the controversies. The company emphasized that MindsEye is designed to deliver an immersive experience, focusing on visceral combat and a story tackling themes like AI, corporate greed, and unchecked military power.
What to expect post-launch
With the game now available, Build a Rocket Boy announced plans to expand the MindsEye universe. Beyond monthly updates, the company confirmed a multiplayer mode will be introduced in the second half of 2025, though details remain scarce. The inclusion of Build.MindsEye suggests the game will foster an active creative community capable of producing additional content.
The Deluxe edition, offered as a pre-order bonus, includes extra mission packs scheduled for the third and fourth quarters of 2025, plus the first quarter of 2026. These additions aim to deepen Redrock’s story and introduce new challenges for players.
A milestone for Leslie Benzies
For Leslie Benzies, MindsEye is more than a new game: it’s a chance to prove his talent extends beyond Rockstar. After years developing titles that redefined the open-world genre, the producer now faces the challenge of winning over a demanding audience in a competitive market. The partnership with IO Interactive underscores the project’s ambition, but success will hinge on Build a Rocket Boy’s ability to deliver an experience that lives up to expectations.
The game is now available on major platforms, and the first few days will be critical in determining how the community responds to the controversies and technical performance. With an engaging story and promising mechanics, MindsEye has the potential to stand out but must overcome initial hurdles to claim its place.