Full Breakdown
MindsEye Receives “Blacklisted” Update and Price Cut as Build a Rocket Boy Attempts Comeback
4/29/2026, 12:11:53 PM
Launch of the “Blacklisted” Update and Price Cut
Build a Rocket Boy released the “Blacklisted” update for *MindsEye*, adding a short assassin mission starring Julia Black. Delivered via the Arcadia platform, the update coincides with a price drop to $34.99 (Standard) and $47.99 (Deluxe).
Background: From a Flawed Launch to a Comeback Attempt
*MindsEye* launched in summer 2025 to heavy criticism for bugs, weak gameplay, and a forgettable story, earning a 4/10 from IGN. The failure led to staff layoffs and public claims of internal sabotage, though no proof has been offered. Earlier this month, former employees sued BARB, alleging secret surveillance software on work devices.
Key Figures and Organizations
Mark Gerhard – CEO of Build a Rocket Boy; Leslie Benzies – founder of BARB and former Rockstar North head; IO Interactive – withdrew from a planned Hitman crossover; IGN – reviewer; SteamDB – source for player data.
Data and Player Metrics
Release year: 2025. Steam concurrent players: 26 (SteamDB). Console player counts: undisclosed. New pricing: $34.99 (Standard), $47.99 (Deluxe).
Official Statements from Build a Rocket Boy
Gerhard said “Blacklisted marks the first new story campaign for *MindsEye* since launch” and emphasized that the update is delivered via Arcadia rather than traditional DLC. He called the timing “the perfect time to experience *MindsEye*” after a year of enhancements and a lower price, pledging continued expansion of the game and its user-generated content platform.
Criticism, Legal Action, and Community Response
The staff lawsuit underscores internal dissent, while the absence of evidence for sabotage claims fuels external skepticism. IGN’s review described the original launch as “high on ambition but low on original ideas.” Low Steam concurrency (26 players) suggests limited community re-engagement despite the price cut.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
No public console player data prevents a full impact assessment. BARB has not released proof of sabotage allegations. IO Interactive’s reasons for withdrawing from the Hitman crossover remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Blacklisted marks the first new story campaign for MindsEye since launch, and we’re excited to welcome players back to Redrock City to experience it in a new way,” — Mark Gerhard, CEO, Build a Rocket Boy
- “Rather than traditional DLC, Blacklisted is delivered through our user-generated content platform Arcadia, which is built into MindsEye.” — Mark Gerhard
- “Now is the perfect time to experience MindsEye, with over a year of enhancements, new content, and a more accessible price of entry. We look forward to continuing to expand MindsEye and Arcadia, and seeing what players and creators will accomplish next.” — Mark Gerhard
- “high on ambition but low on original ideas.” — IGN review
Outlook: Future Content and Arcadia Development
Gerhard indicated that “Blacklisted” is only the beginning, promising further story campaigns and expanded creator tools within Arcadia. Ongoing community-generated missions and future updates are expected to shape *MindsEye*’s long-term trajectory.
