MindsEye, once hyped as a game-changer, is planning a bold relaunch after its rough, buggy debut left players scratching their heads—and left over a hundred devs facing possible layoffs at Build a Rocket Boy. CEO Leslie Benzies blames “saboteurs,” as the studio juggles layoffs, financial headaches, and a dedicated core community still grinding away. Will a second chance turn things around, or is the hype train already off the rails? Stick around for what’s next.
Even after a launch as rocky as a PS5 running MindsEye on day one, Build a Rocket Boy isn’t giving up on its ambitious game just yet. CEO Leslie Benzies, once the driving force behind Grand Theft Auto, has publicly promised a “re-launch” for MindsEye, hoping to turn around the game’s bruised reputation. The announcement, made during a July 2, 2025, video chat with staff, was hardly a secret handshake—Benzies is betting big that a comeback could salvage what many critics called one of the year’s most disappointing releases.
Of course, it’s hard to ignore the elephant in the server room: layoffs. Over 100 employees are facing redundancy, with about 300 UK staff getting official notices, including folks from PlayFusion, a studio Build a Rocket Boy acquired just last year. The 45-day consultation period is underway, and while management tried to juggle roles to save jobs, the reality is looking grim for many developers. As the studio tries to regroup, some free members of the game’s online community are still engaging with MindsEye’s features such as saving articles to watchlists and syncing decks, showcasing a glimmer of ongoing player interest. The situation highlights the importance of healthy balance between ambitious game development and sustainable business practices.
For those left at their desks, work on MindsEye continues—at least for now. The game’s launch was marred by technical issues, especially on PS5, where players quickly noticed lag, crashes, and, well, the general sense that maybe MindsEye should have stayed in beta a little longer. Reviews were harsh, players were vocal, and the fallout put a serious dent in the studio’s finances. Throughout its development, the creators focused on maintaining a philosophy of creativity that emphasizes intentional design and human-driven experiences, even as the studio now faces intense pressure.
Benzies hasn’t shied away from controversy either, blaming “internal and external saboteurs” for the rocky release. It’s a bold claim, fueling as many eye-rolls as it does headlines. Still, the leadership is sticking to its story, framing the relaunch as a chance to finally deliver the game they promised.
But can a relaunch really save MindsEye—or the jobs of the team behind it? With morale shaky and the future of hundreds hanging in the balance, Build a Rocket Boy faces a tough, possibly make-or-break few months. One thing’s for sure: the studio isn’t quitting, even if some players—and staff—wish they could just hit restart.