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MindsEye Faces Turbulence: Senior Execs Exit Days Before Launch
The upcoming release of *MindsEye*, developed by Build a Rocket Boy (BARB), is facing a barrage of challenges. As the June 10, 2025 launch date approaches, the studio is grappling with the sudden departure of key executives, negative reactions to the game, and accusations of a toxic work environment. This confluence of factors has cast a shadow over the debut title from the studio led by Leslie Benzies, known for his work on the *Grand Theft Auto* series.
Executive Exodus: CLO and CFO Depart
In a move that has sparked concern and speculation, Build a Rocket Boy’s Chief Legal Officer (CLO) Riley Graebner and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Paul Bland have both left the company just days before the release of *MindsEye*.
Graebner, who had been with BARB for three and a half years and also served as Chief Operating Officer until April 2024, announced his departure on LinkedIn. While expressing pride in the company’s accomplishments during his tenure, which included doubling the company size to over 450 employees and launching multiple products worldwide, he did not provide a specific reason for leaving.
Bland’s departure was less public, with the CFO simply updating his LinkedIn profile to reflect his exit from the company in June 2025. Interestingly, his LinkedIn page briefly disappeared and reappeared under the name “Paul B,” adding to the air of mystery surrounding his departure.
The simultaneous exit of two high-ranking executives so close to the launch of *MindsEye* has fueled speculation about potential internal issues at Build a Rocket Boy. Some observers suggest that the executives may have concerns about the game’s prospects and decided to leave before its potential failure. Others speculate about possible legal or financial issues that may have prompted their departure.
MindsEye and the Shadow of Everywhere
*MindsEye* was initially conceived as an episodic game within *Everywhere*, Build A Rocket Boy’s metaverse-like platform. *Everywhere* is envisioned as a user-generated content (UGC) platform. However, as *MindsEye*’s release date neared, it became clear that the game would be launched as a standalone title for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
The separation of *MindsEye* from *Everywhere* has created confusion and uncertainty among gamers. The game’s official website and Steam page do not mention *Everywhere*, and it is unclear whether players will be able to use *MindsEye* assets to create their own games within the platform, as originally intended.
The current state of *Everywhere* itself adds to the confusion. The platform is still in beta, and its development has been shrouded in secrecy. Concerns have also been raised about *Everywhere*’s potential use of blockchain technology, although Build a Rocket Boy has denied that the platform will incorporate blockchain.
Troubled Development and Studio Turmoil
Adding to the challenges surrounding *MindsEye*, Build a Rocket Boy has been accused of fostering a toxic work environment. Employee reviews on Glassdoor paint a picture of a company culture dominated by blame, fear, and bullying. Employees allege that only those who unquestioningly follow orders and flatter senior leadership are safe, while others are pushed out.
The reviews also describe a dysfunctional hierarchy where upper management is seen as entitled and incompetent, and the CEO is accused of disregarding good ideas in favor of personal whims. HR is portrayed as a threatening force, and there are allegations of employees being quietly removed without explanation.
The accusations of a toxic work environment come on top of earlier reports of layoffs at Build a Rocket Boy, despite the studio raising $110 million in a recent funding round. These layoffs were attributed to a studio overhaul aimed at becoming more agile.
Negative Reactions and Accusations of “Sponsored” Criticism
*MindsEye* has also faced negative reactions from some quarters, with some critics pointing to the game’s dated graphics and lack of originality. In response, Build a Rocket Boy’s co-CEO Mark Gerhard has suggested that the negative reactions are part of a “concerted effort” to trash the game and the studio ahead of its release, claiming that these efforts are being financed by an unnamed entity.
Gerhard’s claims have been met with skepticism, with some observers suggesting that they are an attempt to deflect criticism of the game. Regardless of the truth, the accusations have further fueled the controversy surrounding *MindsEye*.
MindsEye: A High-Stakes Gamble?
Despite the challenges and controversies, *MindsEye* remains a highly anticipated game, thanks in part to the involvement of Leslie Benzies. The game is described as a narrative-driven, single-player action-adventure thriller set in the near-future fictional desert city of Redrock.
Players will assume the role of Jacob Diaz, a former soldier with a mysterious neural implant, and will uncover a conspiracy involving rogue AI, corporate greed, and an unchecked military. The game promises explosive combat, high-octane driving, and best-in-class cinematics.
However, with its release date fast approaching, *MindsEye* faces an uphill battle to overcome the negative publicity and skepticism that have plagued its development. The departure of key executives, accusations of a toxic work environment, and negative reactions to the game have created a perfect storm of challenges for Build a Rocket Boy.
Whether *MindsEye* can live up to the hype and deliver a compelling gaming experience remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the game’s launch will be a high-stakes gamble for Build a Rocket Boy.
Conclusion: A Critical Juncture
The situation at Build a Rocket Boy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and complexities of game development. The departure of senior executives on the eve of a major release, coupled with allegations of a toxic work culture and a mixed reception to pre-release materials, paints a concerning picture. As *MindsEye* prepares to launch, the future of Build A Rocket Boy hangs in the balance, underscoring the critical importance of leadership, a positive work environment, and effective communication in the high-pressure world of game development.