A Major 2025 Game Flop Seeks an Unrequested Comeback

Developer Build a Rocket Boy seems to be gearing up for a comeback akin to No Man’s Sky with its much-criticized open-world title, MindsEye, set for release in 2025. Notably, it appears the studio is moving forward without its original publisher, IO Interactive.

Recently, MindsEye received an unexpected update, dubbed Update 7, which Build a Rocket Boy describes as “another step forward in overall polish, guided by player and community feedback.” This aligns with the patch’s focus on bug fixes, but the accompanying press release hinted at something bigger. The studio stated that Update 7 marks a “reset for the brand and the title,” signaling the start of a “new era” for MindsEye. This aligns with the absence of IO Interactive’s branding in the latest game trailer, confirming earlier leaks about the split between the two companies.

It’s been a challenging time for MindsEye. In late January, reports surfaced that Build a Rocket Boy would be parting ways with IO Interactive, effectively scrapping plans for a crossover with the Hitman franchise. On February 2, co-CEO Mark Gerhard issued a “formal cease and desist demand” to a YouTuber shortly after they posted a video titled “Leslie Benzies is in the Epstein Files.” Just a day later, Leslie Benzies, the other co-CEO, publicly denied allegations of sexual assault related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Despite a wave of layoffs last summer, Build a Rocket Boy confirmed that Benzies is still with the studio, suggesting that the reboot of MindsEye will proceed under his leadership. This week’s announcement hinted at a “new expansion that adds end-game content and enhanced world exploration,” along with multiplayer support, with more details about the 2026 content roadmap expected in the coming months.