In the midst of a storm of controversy, Build A Rocket Boy, the developer behind MindsEye, finds itself at a critical crossroads. The company, led by former Rockstar executive Leslie Benzies, has faced serious issues since the launch of its game, which received overwhelmingly negative reviews. Now, Benzies has decided to take a “temporary leave” as accusations of distrust and mismanagement within the studio intensify.
It is impossible to make a good game when you are sabotaged
A recent report from GamesIndustry.biz reveals that the abrupt installation of employee monitoring software, Teramind, has caused discomfort among staff. Management only admitted to its implementation after being discovered, creating an atmosphere of distrust. According to the studio leaders, this direct measure is “linked to the success of MindsEye” and is expected to be removed within three months.
The study claims that it has been the victim of a sabotage campaign that damaged both its reputation and the reception of the game. However, numerous anonymous employees have shared testimonies of chaos in development, citing last-minute changes and constant pressure to add new features, which resulted in an unsatisfactory final product. Some former employees have stated that management did not listen to the recommendations of the talented team at their disposal, which has led to the poor state of the game.
The criticism has been severe, with a prior assessment labeling MindsEye as one of the worst games of 2025. Despite some attempts at a resurgence, such as the recent update that improved its score on Steam, former developers like Ben Newbon warn that the game remains “extremely boring” and that the lack of listening from management to their team has been a critical factor in its failure.
The eyes of the industry are now on how Build A Rocket Boy handles this crisis, as many speculate that the future of the company and its professional reputation hang by a thread.
