Tag: MindsEye

  • MindsEye Launches Arcadia Toolkit for Creator-First AAA Design

    MindsEye Launches Arcadia Toolkit for Creator-First AAA Design

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Platforms: MindsEye will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S through various digital storefronts.

    2. Arcadia Creation Suite: The game features a unique tool called Arcadia, allowing players to design missions and environments in real-time using the same assets as the main game.

    3. Pre-Order Bonuses: Players who pre-order MindsEye will receive a free Deluxe Edition upgrade with cosmetic items and extra content, including a Horde Mode mission.

    4. Post-Launch Content: The studio plans to introduce additional content after launch, including a crossover mission featuring Agent 47 from Hitman, set to arrive in July.

    5. Technical Challenges and Updates: Gameplay footage revealed visual and performance issues, but a day-one patch is prepared to address these problems, showcasing the studio’s commitment to improving player experience.


    MindsEye, the debut game from Build A Rocket Boy, is set to launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S through Steam, the Epic Games Store, and digital storefronts on consoles. Created using Unreal Engine 5, the game features Arcadia, a unique creation suite that empowers players to design missions, environments, and gameplay mechanics all within the game world. Unlike traditional editing tools, Arcadia utilizes the same asset pipeline as the main game and allows for real-time testing in playable scenes.

    Pre-Order Benefits

    As noted in official listings, pre-orders for MindsEye come with a free Deluxe Edition upgrade that includes cosmetic items, an extra Horde Mode mission, and seasonal content.

    Tools and Future Content

    Arcadia offers a range of tools for scripting game logic, sequencing events, and triggering actions, all smoothly integrated into the playable world. The studio plans to release post-launch content, including a crossover with Hitman, which will also use the Arcadia creation suite. Recently, it was announced that Agent 47 will appear in a mission set in Redrock, expected to arrive in July, crafted by Build A Rocket Boy as part of the expanding roadmap after launch.

    Gameplay footage that leaked prior to the release showed some visual inconsistencies, lighting problems, and frame rate drops. A day-one patch is ready to fix issues related to HDR calibration, mission flow, and overall performance. During discussions on Discord, co-CEO Mark Gerhard mentioned that he “do[es] KNOW that there are bot farms posting negative comments and dislikes,” emphasizing the studio’s commitment to integrated storytelling and player creativity in the long run.

    Studio Background

    Founded by Leslie Benzies, who was a producer for Grand Theft Auto III to V, Build A Rocket Boy is aiming to position MindsEye as a cinematic narrative experience with extensive player tools. Multiple sources, including Game Developer, have reported that the studio faced executive departures just before the launch. Although this raised some eyebrows, the Arcadia system continues to be a standout feature that could greatly influence how the game is received and its lasting impact.

    The question remains whether MindsEye will live up to its potential as a creator-first AAA title. Nevertheless, its technical aspirations and the integration of high-quality tools for players signal an interesting experiment in the changing dynamics between game developers and their communities.

    Source:
    Link

  • Build a Rocket Boy Co-CEO Accuses Critics of Paid Attacks on Mindseye

    Build a Rocket Boy Co-CEO Accuses Critics of Paid Attacks on Mindseye

    Key Takeaways

    1. Build a Rocket Boy, founded by Leslie Benzies, is launching its debut project Mindseye on June 10.
    2. Co-CEO Mark Gerhard claims negative media feedback is part of a “concerted effort” against the game and studio.
    3. Gerhard suggested that negative responses may be funded, indicating a belief in organized attacks against them.
    4. He clarified that while he didn’t accuse individual users of being paid, he mentioned the presence of bot farms posting negative comments.
    5. The latest gameplay trailer for Mindseye received mixed reviews, with some critiques questioning the game’s quality and originality.


    Build a Rocket Boy, a studio founded by ex-Rockstar producer Leslie Benzies, has been developing its debut project named Mindseye, which is set to launch on June 10. Last year, Mark Gerhard joined the company as co-CEO and has been involved in the upcoming game. Following the release of the latest gameplay trailer on May 27, Gerhard made bold statements regarding the negative feedback the game has received.

    Discord Discussions Heat Up

    In the official Discord for Mindseye, Gerhard asserted that the unfavorable media surrounding the game is a “concerted effort” against both Mindseye and the studio itself. The conversation intensified when Gerhard reacted to a question about whether he believed someone was funding the negative responses. He confidently stated “100%” and added, “Doesn’t take much to guess who.”

    Addressing Concerns of Users

    A Discord member known as ‘Cyber Boi’ had earlier expressed worries about the upcoming release. In response to comments regarding these worries, Gerhard clarified that he never suggested Cyber Boi was being paid, but mentioned a “concerted effort by some people that don’t want to see Leslie or Build A Rocket Boy succeed. They are trying hard to trash the game and the studio. It’s pretty easy to spot the bots and the repeated comments to any content we release.”

    Backtracking on Serious Claims

    Given the weight of his accusations regarding paid negative comments, other users attempted to challenge him. However, he somewhat softened his stance, claiming, “No, I never said that. I do KNOW that there are bot farms posting negative comments and dislikes.”

    The Discord talk followed the release of the latest Mindseye trailer, which outlines the game’s story, mechanics, and build mode. Both the original and the recent trailer received mixed reactions, with some critiques labeling it “a generic AI parody of what video games look like to regular people” and “a low-budget game trying its best to appear as a high-octane big-budget AAA title.”

    Source:
    Link

  • GTA Developer Launches New Explosive Third-Person Shooter Game

    GTA Developer Launches New Explosive Third-Person Shooter Game

    Key Takeaways

    1. Leslie Benzies, former president of Rockstar North, was key in developing iconic games like GTA III, Vice City, and GTA V before starting his own company, Build A Rocket Boy, in 2016.
    2. Benzies’ debut game, Everywhere, is a sandbox MMO allowing players to explore and create their own worlds and challenges, with closed beta sign-ups available.
    3. At a recent Sony event, Benzies announced his second game, MindsEye, a third-person shooter featuring the character Jacob Diaz and themes of AI and military factions.
    4. Community reactions to MindsEye have been mixed, with praise for cinematic cutscenes but criticism of incomplete graphics reminiscent of older gaming consoles.
    5. MindsEye is set to launch in summer 2025 on PlayStation 5, with Xbox Series X|S and PC versions to follow, and players can add it to their Steam wishlist.


    Leslie Benzies, who was the president of Rockstar North, was instrumental in creating popular games like GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas, GTA IV, and GTA V before parting ways with the company in 2016. After his departure, he started his own company called Build A Rocket Boy, which revealed its debut game in 2022. The game, titled Everywhere, is a sandbox MMO that lets players explore pre-existing content and design their own worlds, games, and challenges. While a specific release date hasn’t been provided yet, players can sign up for closed beta tests.

    New Game Announcement

    At a recent Sony State of Play event that showcased significant gaming announcements, Leslie Benzies and his studio introduced their second title – MindsEye, a thrilling third-person shooter. Players will assume the character of Jacob Diaz, a former soldier who has a strange neural implant, which brings back memories of a pivotal mission. The game’s trailer suggests a focus on artificial intelligence, cutting-edge experiments, and rogue military factions as Diaz seeks to uncover the secrets of his past. Fans of both storytelling and action may find themselves captivated by the game’s explosive third-person combat, which includes ground skirmishes, car chases, and helicopter confrontations.

    Community Reactions

    The feedback for MindsEye on Reddit has been varied. While many have applauded the cinematic cutscenes, the graphics have been criticized for appearing incomplete. Some users have likened the visuals to those of older AA games from the PS3 and Xbox 360 era, leading to concerns about the game’s overall quality. Nonetheless, this viewpoint could change as the game gets closer to its release date.

    MindsEye is projected to launch in the summer of 2025, although a precise date has not yet been confirmed. It will debut on PlayStation 5, with versions for Xbox Series X|S and PC (available through Steam) coming later. Players can currently add the game to their wishlist on Steam.

    Source:
    Link