According to Build a Rocket Boy’s co-CEO, Leslie Benzies’s new game is being deliberately criticized before its release.

With less than two weeks until launch, MindsEye is already mired in controversy. Studio co-CEO Mark Gerhard stirred debate by claiming that a coordinated, funded effort is underway to undermine the game and the studio. This began on May 27 when he responded to a user on the game’s Discord who asked if the negative reactions to the game so far were being funded by someone. Gerhard replied, “100%,” adding that it doesn’t take much to guess who he’s referring to.

Gerhard is likely pointing to Rockstar, where Benzies spent years working on Grand Theft Auto, Manhunt, Red Dead Redemption, L.A. Noire, and Max Payne 3. Conspiratorially, it fits. MindsEye definitely resembles a GTA game, but it’s been a decade since Benzies parted ways with Rockstar. More importantly, is Rockstar truly concerned that MindsEye poses a threat to Grand Theft Auto 6?

Gerhard didn’t elaborate on who he believes is behind the conspiracy but made it clear he’s not joking. In response to another Discord message pointing out that his comments were “absolutely wild,” Gerhard wrote, “Not … .”

He attempted to defuse the situation slightly. He also mentioned two YouTubers. One of them, Cyber Boi, posted several videos criticizing MindsEye and was present on Discord.

“Individuals, be they content creators or otherwise, have … to criticize MindsEye. I KNOW that there are bot farms … . I never said Cyber Boi was … . I just said that there is a … who don’t want Leslie or Build a Rocket Boy … , and who are making a concerted effort … we put out,” wrote Gerhard.

MindsEye will be released on June 10 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC.

Source: PC Gamer