Build A Rocket Boy Loses Executives Before MindsEye Launch

Amidst a whirlwind of anticipation, the indie game studio Build A Rocket Boy, founded by former Rockstar producer Leslie Benzies, is facing a tumultuous moment just days before the release of its highly anticipated title, MindsEye. The recent departure of two key executives, Chief Financial Officer Paul Bland and Chief Legal Officer Riley Graebner, has raised eyebrows across the gaming community, adding an unexpected twist to the narrative surrounding the game’s launch scheduled for June 10, 2025.

Executive Departures Raise Concerns

The abrupt exit of Bland and Graebner, confirmed through their LinkedIn updates, is particularly significant given the proximity to MindsEye’s release. Bland indicated his departure was effective as of June 2025, while Graebner reflected on his tenure, stating, “After three and a half years my time at BARB has come to a close. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.” Such departures so near to a major launch often signal internal strife or unresolved issues within a studio, leading to skepticism among players and investors alike.

Mixed Reception and Poor Pre-Launch Hype

The controversy surrounding MindsEye does not end with executive departures. Previews of the game have garnered a tepid response from critics and players, with many expressing reservations about its gameplay and overall execution. Alongside the less-than-enthusiastic reception, the studio has faced criticism for its apparent lack of transparency regarding the game’s features and mechanics. Reports suggest that review codes have not been distributed to gaming journalists, which is typically seen as a red flag indicating that the developer lacks confidence in the game’s reception.

Furthermore, a trove of negative employee reviews has surfaced on platforms like Glassdoor, painting a concerning picture of the internal culture at Build A Rocket Boy. As potential players continue to sift through early reports and employee testimonials, reservations are surfacing about the studio’s stability and the game’s final quality.

The Studio’s Response

In light of the mounting scrutiny, the studio’s co-chief executive has made a curious claim that the negative perceptions leading up to the game’s release are the result of a coordinated effort to damage the studio’s reputation, suggesting that someone is financially backing a campaign against them [Eurogamer]. Such statements could be interpreted as an attempt to deflect negative attention and rally the studio’s supporters in the face of adversity, but they also raise questions about the accountability of the studio’s leadership.

Despite these troubling signs, there remains a flicker of hope for the MindsEye project, which is seen as part of a dual-release alongside a second game titled Everywhere. These projects have always been described as ambitious, with the potential to redefine immersive gameplay experiences in modern gaming. The anticipation surrounding them highlights the contrasting hopes and fears that players feel as the launch date approaches. There is still a chance that, upon release, MindsEye will surprise critics and fans alike, defying the current narratives and emerging as a successful new title.

Looking Ahead

The gaming community is paying close attention to how MindsEye will fare in its debut. Players are vocal about their concerns in forums and on the game’s official Discord server, emphasizing the weight of expectations on the studio and the game. As the clock ticks down to launch, excitement is tempered by anxiety, creating a unique atmosphere where anticipation and skepticism coexist.

Only time will tell if MindsEye can deliver on the ambitious promises made by its creators. If successful, it could pave the way for a new era for Build A Rocket Boy, while failure could have lasting implications for the studio and its future projects. As the industry always reminds us, the gaming landscape is ever-changing, and what lies ahead is as unpredictable as the players who influence it.

Quick Reference Table