Why did the executives leave Build a Rocket Boy?
Neither Riley Graebner nor Paul Bland has publicly stated the reasons for their departure.
Video Games / Industry News
In a surprising turn of events, Build a Rocket Boy, the developer behind the upcoming GTA-like game MindsEye, has seen the departure of two key executives just days before its scheduled launch. This has sparked concern and speculation withi...
Build a Rocket Boy is facing scrutiny as Chief Legal Officer Riley Graebner and CFO Paul Bland have announced their departure from the company just a week before the release of MindsEye. Graebner, in a LinkedIn post, expressed pride in his accomplishments during his three-and-a-half-year tenure, noting the company's growth to over 450 employees and the launch of multiple products. Similarly, Bland's LinkedIn account confirms his departure in June 2025.
These departures occurred shortly after co-CEO Mark Gerhard insinuated that the negative reception of MindsEye was potentially the result of a "concerted effort" against the studio. This statement, coupled with the executive departures, has fueled speculation among the community. Some speculate the executives may not want to deal with potential legal issues if MindsEye releases in a broken state.
Despite the surrounding uncertainty, Leslie Benzies has clarified that MindsEye was never intended to be a direct competitor to the Grand Theft Auto series, aiming instead to tell its own unique story.
Neither Riley Graebner nor Paul Bland has publicly stated the reasons for their departure.
MindsEye is scheduled to launch on June 10 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Mark Gerhard suggested that a "concerted effort" was underway to harm the game's reputation, hinting at external influences behind the negative feedback.
What do you think about the timing of these executive departures? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
This article was compiled by Yanuki using publicly available data and trending information. The content may summarize or reference third-party sources that have not been independently verified. While we aim to provide timely and accurate insights, the information presented may be incomplete or outdated.
All content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Yanuki makes no representations or warranties regarding the reliability or completeness of the information.
This article may include links to external sources for further context. These links are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement.
Always do your own research (DYOR) before making any decisions based on the information presented.