MindsEye CEO on Disastrous Game Launch

Saying MindsEye had a rocky launch would be an understatement. The game's release was marred by harsh reviews, player refunds, and subsequent staff layoffs, earning developer Build a Rocket Boy its share of negative press.

Yet there was a time when MindsEye generated genuine excitement. Its potential was significant enough for IOI Partners — the publishing division of Hitman and 007 First Light studio IO Interactive — to take on distribution.

"Our initial discussions with them were about offering support," Hakan Abrak, CEO of IO Interactive, told IGN. "We believed in their creative vision and the world they were building. We hope they get the chance to showcase more of it in the future, and we simply wanted to assist with distributing the game."

At some point during development, however, things clearly went off track, culminating in that troubled launch. For IOI Partners, this outcome was disappointing after endorsing the Leslie Benzies-led project.

"It was definitely a difficult situation," Abrak acknowledged. "The reception was tough. It wasn't what they had hoped for, nor what we at IOI Partners had envisioned. They are working diligently to win back player trust and have substantial potential and content in the pipeline. We hope they succeed in turning things around."

Shortly after the launch, BARB expressed being "heartbroken" over the issues players encountered and pledged a series of patches to address major performance problems, glitches, and AI bugs. These updates have started rolling out.

Originally conceived as part of Everywhere — a 'Roblox for adults' creation platform led by former Grand Theft Auto design chief Leslie Benzies — MindsEye is a story-driven action-adventure. BARB later shifted focus entirely to MindsEye, but the game has so far underperformed commercially.

In July, BARB sources informed IGN that Benzies finally addressed the team post-launch in a brief video call. According to two anonymous sources, Benzies claimed the studio would recover and relaunch MindsEye, attributing its struggles to internal and external sabotage, among other factors.

The future for MindsEye and Build a Rocket Boy remains unclear. But what does this mean for IOI Partners' appetite for publishing external games? IO Interactive will self-publish the upcoming James Bond adventure, 007 First Light. Will they pursue more partnerships like the one with MindsEye, or has this experience soured their outlook?

"IO Interactive will handle publishing for our own internal titles," Abrak confirmed. "As for IOI Partners? That's still to be determined."

Learn how Daniel Craig's likeness was used in a Hitman map to secure the Bond rights here. Also, explore how Queen Elizabeth II's passing influenced First Light's development and read about the casting of IO's new James Bond.

For an in-depth look at 007 First Light, check out my detailed preview, packed with gameplay and story insights.