In a fiery statement that has ignited debate across gaming communities, Build a Rocket Boy co-CEO Matt Smith accused anonymous parties of hiring individuals to sabotage the studio’s highly anticipated game, Mindseye. Smith alleged that coordinated social media attacks, negative reviews, and toxic discourse around the project are part of a paid campaign to undermine its launch.
"Mindseye is facing orchestrated hostility from people who’ve never played the game," Smith declared during an industry panel. "We have evidence of financial incentives driving this negativity. It’s not organic criticism—it’s sabotage." Build a Rocket Boy, founded by former Grand Theft Auto lead Leslie Benzies, has positioned Mindseye as a revolutionary "multi-world" game blending open-world exploration, creative tools, and social experiences. Despite early hype, recent months saw escalating skepticism about its ambitious scope, with some forums labeling it "vaporware."
Smith’s claims have polarized fans. Supporters argue the game is a victim of corporate rivalry, while critics demand proof of the alleged conspiracy. "Why would anyone pay to trash an unreleased game?" questioned one Reddit user. "Show us the receipts." Others pointed to Mindseye’s turbulent development cycle—including delays and executive departures—as more plausible reasons for skepticism.
In a recent video address, Smith doubled down on his accusations, urging the community to "see through the disinformation." The full statement can be viewed here, where he emphasizes the studio’s commitment to transparency.
Meanwhile, Build a Rocket Boy is rallying fans via its official Mindseye Discord, where developers share exclusive updates and combat "toxic narratives." The server has surged to over 20,000 members since the controversy erupted, with moderators banning users accused of "malicious trolling."
Industry analysts remain divided. "Paid review-bombing isn’t unheard of, but it’s rare pre-launch," said GamesIndustry.biz’s Rebekah Valentine. "Either Build a Rocket Boy is uncovering a real threat, or this is deflection from deeper issues." No third-party evidence corroborating Smith’s claims has surfaced.
Mindseye is slated for a 2025 release. Whether the allegations galvanize its community or further erode trust hangs in the balance—and Smith vows to "expose the culprits" soon.
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