In the lead-up to the launch of MindsEye, the futuristic action-adventure title from Build A Rocket Boy, game director Leslie Benzies has addressed the game’s relatively short campaign length, stating that the decision was a deliberate one aimed at ensuring players actually complete the story.
Set for release on 10 June 2025, MindsEye has drawn comparisons to the Grand Theft Auto franchise ever since its debut trailer dropped in February. The comparisons are unsurprising, as Benzies himself previously served as president of Rockstar North and produced ten GTA titles, beginning with Grand Theft Auto III.
Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Benzies explained that MindsEye‘s roughly 20-hour main story is tailored to modern gaming habits. With increasing distractions from other media, including streaming platforms and other games, he said the goal was to create something people could realistically finish. “I think people want the meat, and they want the potatoes,” Benzies said. “We’ve tried to make as much meat as we can, if that makes sense.”
While some fans might see 20 hours as a shorter experience compared to other open-world titles, Benzies reassured players that the game will be rich with side content, which can extend the overall playtime. According to him, it’s more important to deliver a satisfying and complete story than an unnecessarily long one.
Benzies also spoke on the game’s marketing approach, noting the brief window between reveal and launch. He said that as a start-up studio, Build A Rocket Boy couldn’t afford long marketing cycles. But beyond budget considerations, Benzies believes prolonged hype can be counterproductive. “People will just move on if you take too long,” he said.
MindsEye will also ship with built-in creation tools, enabling players to use in-game assets to develop and share custom content. Post-launch, the studio plans to roll out additional assets, missions, and challenges on a regular basis, keeping the experience fresh for returning players.
Also read | Microsoft keeps acquisition door open, eyes strategic growth in gaming