Players frustrated after MindsEye's rocky debut

MindsEye, an open-world action RPG from Build A Rocket Boy, launched on June 2, 2025, with bold claims of rivaling GTA and a ''10-year plan'' for user-generated content. Instead, it became 2025's lowest-rated game, scoring a 20 from critics and 2.5/10 from users on Metacritic. Reviewers criticized its ''atrocious combat,'' ''brain-dead AI,'' and ''outdated mission design,'' calling it an ''unmitigated disaster.'' The stark contrast between its ambitious marketing and the delivered product left players feeling let down.

The game launched with severe technical issues, including stutters, crashes, unresponsive NPCs, and performance dipping below 30 FPS on PS5 Pro, making it feel unfinished. Console versions lacked the PC-exclusive user-content creation engine, disappointing those expecting a ''hyper-realistic Roblox-like community.'' Sony's rare decision to offer refunds for the PS5 version highlighted the extent of player dissatisfaction.

Cutting deals mid livestream 

Build A Rocket Boy's handling of the launch worsened the situation. The studio canceled sponsored streams, including one with a prominent Twitch streamer, and withheld review copies, opting for sponsored YouTubers, which suggested an attempt to shape the narrative. Co-founder Leslie Benzies' claim that negative feedback came from ''paid bots'' was met with skepticism, further damaging trust. Reports of high-level exits, including the Chief Legal Officer and CFO, just before launch pointed to internal instability.

Social media reflected player frustration, with some tying MindsEye's struggles to its ambitious $300 million-funded metaverse project, Everywhere. The studio issued a statement expressing regret and promising patches to address issues, but confidence remains low.

MindsEye's launch serves as a cautionary tale of overpromising and underdelivering. Its technical flaws, missing features, and questionable PR moves have left players wary. While the studio aims to salvage the game with updates, the initial disappointment has cast a long shadow over its potential, leaving fans hoping for a turnaround but bracing for more challenges. Check out the best prices for MindsEye using our price comparison tool.