MindsEye: A Cinematic Sci-Fi Adventure from the Mind Behind Grand Theft Auto

MindsEye, an upcoming single-player action-adventure game, has been generating significant buzz in the gaming community since its reveal during Sony's PlayStation State of Play in February 2025. Developed by Build A Rocket Boy and published by IO Interactive, MindsEye is the brainchild of Leslie Benzies, the legendary game director known for his pivotal role in the Grand Theft Auto series. Set for release in Summer 2025 on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, the game promises to deliver a thrilling blend of high-octane combat, high-speed chases, and a gripping sci-fi narrative. Here's everything we know so far about this highly anticipated title.

A Visionary Behind the Wheel

Leslie Benzies, former president of Rockstar North and lead developer on Grand Theft Auto titles from GTA III to GTA V, brings his 25-year track record of crafting immersive, groundbreaking experiences to MindsEye. After leaving Rockstar in 2016, Benzies founded Build A Rocket Boy, an independent studio with offices in Edinburgh, Budapest, and Montpellier. MindsEye marks the studio's first major AAA release, and Benzies has described it as pushing "cinematic adventure to the next level - building characters and a world that feels truly alive."

The game is being published by IO Interactive, the studio behind the Hitman series, under its newly formed third-party publishing division, IOI Partners. This collaboration has raised expectations, given IO Interactive's reputation for delivering high-quality, immersive experiences. IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak has expressed excitement about the partnership, noting that MindsEye aligns perfectly with the studio's commitment to creating innovative, community-driven games.

A Near-Future Americana Setting

MindsEye is set in Redrock, a fictional desert metropolis in a near-future America. The game's world is richly detailed, exploring themes of artificial intelligence, corporate espionage, political corruption, and unchecked military power. The narrative unfolds in a society teetering on the brink of collapse, where advanced technology and human greed collide.

Players take on the role of Jacob Diaz, a former elite soldier haunted by fragmented memories of a classified mission gone wrong. Jacob is equipped with a mysterious neural implant called the MindsEye, which serves as both a technical marvel and a curse. As he searches for the truth behind his past, Jacob is drawn into a web of conspiracies involving AI-driven threats, high-tech experimentation, and powerful corporations. The story promises to be a mind-bending, complex journey, blending cinematic storytelling with deep player agency.

Gameplay: High-Octane Action and Tactical Depth

MindsEye is a third-person action-adventure game that combines intense combat, dynamic vehicle action, and high-tech espionage. The gameplay trailers showcased during the State of Play event revealed a mix of on-foot and driving sections, with a focus on explosive, tactical encounters. Here are some key gameplay features:

Explosive Combat: Players will engage in third-person shooter combat, facing enemies that utilize coordinated tactics and overwhelming force. Survival depends on quick thinking, strategic positioning, and leveraging the environment. Jacob's companion drone also plays a role, offering tactical advantages in battle.
Dynamic Vehicle Action: High-speed chases, aerial combat, and explosive vehicular gameplay are central to the experience, keeping the adrenaline pumping. The urban car chases and shooting scenes hint at Benzies' signature style, reminiscent of GTA, but with a sci-fi twist.
AI-Driven Threats: Enemies are enhanced by cutting-edge technology, forcing players to outthink and outgun their opponents. The game's world is filled with the persistent threat of artificial intelligence, adding a layer of tension to every mission.
MindsEye Technology: While it's unclear whether the MindsEye implant is used as a gameplay mechanic, its centrality to the plot suggests it could play a role similar to enhancements in games like Deus Ex or Cyberpunk 2077. Players may have access to a range of weapons and potentially other implants, though details remain scarce.

The gameplay is designed to be immersive, with best-in-class cinematics and rich environments that make Redrock feel alive. Benzies has emphasized the "tireless effort poured into every moment of the game," promising a level of polish and realism that will captivate players.

The Connection to Everywhere

MindsEye was originally announced in 2023 as part of Everywhere, an ambitious game platform developed by Build A Rocket Boy. Everywhere is described as a fusion of game, social space, and creation tool, akin to Fortnite, Roblox, and PlayStation Home. It allows players to create their own games using assets from the system's library and access different "districts" structured around specific activities. MindsEye is set to be part of the Entertainment district within Everywhere.

While Everywhere remains in development, MindsEye has seemingly taken precedence, with IO Interactive handling its publishing as a standalone game. Posts on X have speculated about the relationship between the two projects, with some users noting that MindsEye is built using the same technology as Everywhere. However, IO Interactive has clarified that the publishing deal focuses solely on MindsEye, leaving Everywhere's future unclear.

A Lighter Cyberpunk Experience

MindsEye's sci-fi angle sets it apart from traditional cyberpunk games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Deus Ex. While it shares themes of advanced technology and corporate power, it appears to offer a lighter, more action-oriented take on the genre. The teaser trailers highlight a near-future world where corporations hide secrets, new technologies shape society, and an army of robots looms on the horizon. The MindsEye implant, which connects to an individual's brain and allows communication with machines, is central to the plot, though its exact role in gameplay remains a mystery.

Benzies has revealed that MindsEye will be launched episodically, with each episode featuring a different focus and interconnected stories. This approach could provide a fresh narrative structure, keeping players engaged over time.

Release Date and Platforms

MindsEye is set to launch in Summer 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (via Steam). The game is available to wishlist now, and the cinematic and gameplay trailers have already sparked excitement among fans. Posts on X have praised the trailers, with some users noting similarities between Jacob Diaz and Lincoln Clay from Mafia 3, though this remains speculative.

The timing of MindsEye's release is noteworthy, as it will debut shortly before GTA 6, expected in Autumn 2025. Given Benzies' history with Rockstar, comparisons are inevitable, and some X users have predicted that MindsEye could be a competitor to GTA 6. However, the games' distinct settings and gameplay styles suggest they will appeal to different audiences.

Community Sentiment and Expectations

The gaming community has been vocal about MindsEye, with posts on X reflecting a mix of excitement and curiosity. Some users have hailed it as a "visual masterpiece" and a potential "blockbuster," while others are eager to see how Benzies' vision translates to a new IP. The involvement of IO Interactive has also boosted confidence, with fans expecting a polished, high-quality experience.

However, there are lingering questions about Everywhere and its connection to MindsEye. Some X posts have expressed confusion about the two projects, with users wondering whether MindsEye's standalone release signals a shift in focus for Build A Rocket Boy. IO Interactive CEO Hakan Abrak has reassured fans that MindsEye is "pretty far along" in development, with plans to communicate more details soon.

Final Thoughts

MindsEye is shaping up to be a thrilling and immersive cinematic adventure that pushes the boundaries of interactive storytelling. With its compelling narrative, intense combat, and stunning visuals, it's poised to capture the attention of gamers worldwide. Leslie Benzies' pedigree and IO Interactive's publishing expertise make this a title to watch, and its Summer 2025 release can't come soon enough.

As we await more details, one thing is clear: MindsEye is not just a game-it's a testament to Benzies' vision of crafting captivating, interactive entertainment. Whether it lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but for now, the gaming world is buzzing with anticipation. Keep an eye out for MindsEye when it launches on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and get ready to fight your fate in a world where AI and human ambition collide.