Build a Rocket Boy CEO Mark Gerhard has described the launch of MindsEye as potentially the "worst in history," but claims the studio’s struggles were intensified by a deliberate sabotage campaign. In a recent interview with GamesBeat, Gerhard elaborated on his theory that internal and external actors conspired to damage the game's reputation through paid influencers and bot networks.
A Unique Approach to Controversy
The studio intends to address these allegations directly within the game itself. A forthcoming mission, titled Blacklist, will feature a female playable character and act as a vessel for the developers to present alleged evidence of the sabotage to the community. Gerhard previously suggested that the mission might even name the individuals believed to be responsible, framing the legal conflict as a narrative experience for players.
Gerhard stated that the studio aims to "tell the community the story before it even plays out in court," adopting a proactive stance rather than playing the victim. He claims that authorities in both the US and UK are currently investigating the matter as criminal corporate espionage.
Launch Woes and Future Plans
While Gerhard remains adamant about external interference, he acknowledged that the game's technical state at launch was the studio's responsibility. He admitted that bugs and performance issues were self-inflicted wounds, noting that the team is now focused on a "relaunch" of the title now that the alleged interference has subsided.
Studio head and former GTA 5 producer Leslie Benzies has returned from a post-launch break to guide the project forward. Despite the turbulence, Gerhard claims sales are improving organically and that the team remains excited for the game's next chapter, even as the studio continues to navigate personnel changes and the transition of publishing duties away from IO Interactive.
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