Build a Rocket Boy, the studio behind the 2025 open-world game MindsEye, is claiming that an organized effort has attempted to damage the game’s reputation. In a leaked internal video, co-CEO Mark Gerhard reportedly stated that Ritual Network, a UK-based YouTube and TikTok management company, orchestrated what he described as a $1 million smear campaign against the game. Gerhard also named content creator Cyber Boi as allegedly involved in the campaign.
According to Insider Gaming, Gerhard referred to Ritual Network as “a bunch of gangsters” during the internal meeting. The leaked footage reportedly included references to legal actions, including accusations of espionage, sabotage, and criminal interference, that the studio intends to pursue. The video also mentions the installation of cybersecurity software called Teramind on employees’ systems without their prior knowledge.
Questions Over Ritual Network’s Involvement
Ritual Network’s actual profile appears to contradict some of Gerhard’s claims. The company is based in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, employs fewer than 20 people, and had net current assets of roughly £800,000 in February 2025, several months before MindsEye’s release. This figure is below the $1 million Gerhard referenced in the internal meeting. Ritual Network has publicly denied any involvement in the alleged campaign and stated it has not been presented with evidence supporting these claims.
Turning Controversy Into Game Content
In the leaked discussion, Gerhard reportedly suggested that the studio may incorporate the names of those allegedly involved in future MindsEye missions. “Given this has happened to us, I’m gonna own this narrative,” he said, describing plans to include these figures in an upcoming spy-themed mission. The studio confirmed to Kotaku that it is working with legal counsel to investigate and address the issue, stating that evidence exists of a coordinated campaign aimed at undermining confidence in the game.
MindsEye’s Reboot Efforts
Build a Rocket Boy is simultaneously attempting to revive MindsEye after a difficult launch in 2025. A surprise update on February 4 was presented as part of a “reset for the brand and the title,” aiming to mark the beginning of a “new era” for the game. Despite these efforts, MindsEye currently has a Steam rating below 50 percent positive and reports only 40 concurrent players at the time of this writing. The studio appears to be balancing both its public relations challenges and ongoing development to rebuild the game’s community.
Legal and Industry Reactions
The situation has drawn attention in the gaming community, as accusations of targeted campaigns against games remain rare but consequential. Analysts have noted that while some internal disputes or leaks can influence public perception, the scale of evidence and official confirmation often determine whether legal or financial consequences arise. Ritual Network has maintained its stance of non-involvement and has not responded to further inquiries.
Source: PocketGamer
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is MindsEye?
MindsEye is a 2025 open-world game developed by Build a Rocket Boy. The game faced critical and commercial challenges following its launch.
Who is Build a Rocket Boy?
Build a Rocket Boy is the studio behind MindsEye, with Mark Gerhard serving as co-CEO. The studio focuses on open-world and experimental game projects.
What is Ritual Network?
Ritual Network is a UK-based YouTube and TikTok management company. It has been named in leaked internal footage by Build a Rocket Boy as allegedly involved in a campaign against MindsEye, though the company denies these claims.
What updates has MindsEye received recently?
A February 4 update was introduced as part of a “reset” for MindsEye, intended to improve gameplay and mark the beginning of a new development phase.
Is there any evidence of the alleged $1 million campaign?
Build a Rocket Boy claims to have evidence of coordinated efforts targeting the game, but independent verification is limited, and Ritual Network denies involvement.
Will MindsEye include real-life names in the game?
According to the leaked footage, the studio may incorporate names from the controversy into future in-game missions, framing them as part of the narrative.
