Mark Gerhard, the CEO of Build A Rocket Boy, has openly acknowledged that the launch of their inaugural title, MindsEye, has been one of the most disappointing in video game history. He attributes the game’s lack of success to multiple factors, including allegations of corporate sabotage that the studio plans to address with a new mission labeled «Blacklist.» While details regarding the mission’s release remain unclear, Gerhard has confirmed that it will feature a new female character as a playable option.
Critics have harshly evaluated MindsEye, noting its outdated concepts, flawed gameplay mechanics, and a story that fails to engage. These issues have led to widespread disappointment, drawing comparisons to the notorious launch of Cyberpunk 2077, which faced similar critiques when it was released in 2020. In an attempt to rehabilitate the game’s image, Build A Rocket Boy aims to navigate the challenges posed by its rocky debut, looking to replicate CD Projekt Red’s successful turnaround of Cyberpunk 2077.
Gerhard has reiterated his stance on the alleged sabotage, indicating that the company is currently collaborating with legal experts and external partners to investigate these claims. He shared that a substantial amount of evidence suggesting organized espionage and corporate wrongdoing has emerged, leading to potential legal action. This ongoing investigation, he stated, has identified certain parties linked to the sabotage and is now under the jurisdiction of authorities in both the UK and the US.
In light of recent developments, Build A Rocket Boy has severed its partnership with MindsEye‘s former publisher, IOI Partners, which has transferred the publishing rights solely to the studio. This shift means that plans for a crossover event with the Hitman franchise will no longer take place.
Despite the tumultuous beginning, Gerhard remains optimistic about the future of MindsEye. He expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity for a relaunch now that external disruptions have reportedly subsided, highlighting a recent uptick in positive reviews and sales for the title. As the studio prepares for this next chapter, it will be interesting to see how they address the challenges posed by the game’s initial reception and the allegations of sabotage.
