Leslie Benzies, the former Rockstar Games president known for shaping Grand Theft Auto V, is making a bold return with his new open-world title MindsEye, promising 20 hours of tightly packed, no-filler content at a time when many games stretch far beyond their welcome.
Developed by Benzies’ studio Build A Rocket Boy, MindsEye is set to release on June 10 for $60, a “now quaint” price point Benzies defends as a response to real-world inflation and growing gamer fatigue over bloated, unfinished AAA titles.
“The world’s in a funny place,” Benzies told GamesIndustry.biz. “People are worried about the price of eggs. So value for money, I think people appreciate that when times are difficult.”
“No Filler” Philosophy
In an industry dominated by massive open worlds and 100-hour promises, Benzies is pushing back. He explained that MindsEye is designed to deliver a complete, satisfying experience in 20 hours—a stark contrast to the increasingly common practice of inflating playtime with repetitive content.
“I don’t think you can have filler content in games,” Benzies said. “We’ve tried to make as much meat as we can.”
Citing internal data suggesting 60 to 70 percent of players never finish large games, Benzies aims to create something “finishable” that players can actually complete and enjoy without losing interest halfway through.
A Cyberpunk-Like Feel with a Focused Story
MindsEye has drawn early comparisons to Cyberpunk 2077, but Benzies clarified that it leans more toward a linear, action-driven narrative, complemented by optional side content. It won’t be a 200-hour sandbox but instead a curated experience that still allows for exploration and depth.
This more focused style echoes a growing sentiment in the industry—from indie creators to major developers—that players want quality, not quantity.
A Changing Game Landscape
Benzies’ direction aligns with recent views from industry figures like Fallout co-creator Tim Cain, who argued that long games padded with filler often fail to keep players engaged.
With the current economic climate adding extra scrutiny to gaming expenses, Benzies hopes MindsEye will represent honest value in a premium package.
What Comes Next?
While we haven’t seen full gameplay reveals yet, all eyes are on MindsEye ahead of its June launch. If it delivers on its promise, it could reshape expectations around what an open-world game needs to be in 2025.
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