Ex-GTA Producer Blames “Saboteurs” for MindsEye Failure Amid Layoffs & Relaunch Plans

When a highly anticipated game flops, who’s to blame? For Grand Theft Auto architect Leslie Benzies, the answer is clear: “internal and external saboteurs.” But critics argue the real issues lie closer to home.

MindsEye’s Disastrous Launch: A Perfect Storm of Problems

Build A Rocket Boy’s debut title, MindsEye—a semi-open-world third-person shooter—has cratered since its June 2025 release. Player counts plummeted to just 1,200 concurrent users on Steam within weeks, while Metacritic scores hover at 48/100. Critics panned its “bland missions,” “glacial pacing,” and a notorious CPR mini-game so frustrating that players dubbed it “unplayable.” The studio, founded by ex-Rockstar North president Benzies after his acrimonious 2016 exit from GTA, now faces layoffs and refund demands.

The fallout escalated when co-CEO Mark Gerhard suggested on Discord that negative previews were part of a “paid smear campaign.” Publisher IO Interactive swiftly countered, with CEO Hakan Abrak stating, “The game should speak for itself.” Employees describe morale as “toxic,” with one anonymous developer telling IGN: “Leadership refuses to acknowledge design flaws. They’re rewriting reality.”

Benzies’ “Sabotage” Claims: Deflection or Reality?

In a July 2 video call to staff, Benzies doubled down, blaming “internal and external saboteurs” for MindsEye’s failure. Sources present told IGN he vowed to “relaunch” the game but provided no specifics. The accusation mirrors his 2016 legal battle with Rockstar, where he alleged being forced out via “corporate coup” after GTA Online’s success.

Industry analysts are skeptical. “Scapegoating saboteurs ignores MindsEye’s core issues: dated mechanics and poor optimization,” says Wedbush Securities’ Nick McKay. Even fans agree: Reddit threads mock the CPR sequence’s clunky controls, while Steam reviews cite “2005-level AI.” Meanwhile, layoffs at Build A Rocket Boy suggest financial strain, with refunds further draining resources.

Relaunching a Sinking Ship? The Uphill Battle Ahead

Benzies’ promise to revive MindsEye faces steep hurdles. The game’s $70 price tag and always-online requirement alienated players, while patches have focused on minor fixes rather than overhauling criticized systems. A potential re-release would compete with heavyweights like Elder Scrolls VI and GTA VI, due in 2026.

Yet Benzies’ pedigree keeps hope alive. As the visionary behind GTA’s shift to 3D open worlds, he’s no stranger to comebacks. “If anyone can pivot, it’s Leslie,” said former Rockstar colleague Obbe Vermeij. “But he needs to listen—not blame shadows.”

Key Takeaways

• Sabotage or self-sabotage? Benzies attributes MindsEye’s failure to covert enemies, but critics cite poor design and execution.
• Rockstar ghosts: The debacle echoes Benzies’ bitter split from Rockstar, where he alleged similar betrayal.
• Relaunch risks: Without addressing core flaws, a MindsEye reboot could deepen studio woes.
• Industry skepticism: Analysts warn that blaming outsiders erodes team trust and delays accountability.
• Legacy on the line: Once hailed as GTA’s mastermind, Benzies’ reputation now hinges on salvaging this mess.

Build A Rocket Boy’s next move will test whether “saboteurs” were the problem—or a smokescreen for deeper dysfunction.