By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
As the June 10, 2025, release date for MindsEye approaches, comparisons to Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) have intensified. Developed by Build a Rocket Boy and directed by former Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies, MindsEye is a cinematic action-adventure set in the near-future desert city of Redrock. The game follows Jacob Diaz, a former soldier with a mysterious neural implant, as he uncovers a conspiracy involving AI and corporate greed .
Acknowledging the Comparisons
In recent interviews, Benzies has addressed the inevitable comparisons to GTA 6, acknowledging the shared open-world roots. He emphasized that while MindsEye offers a richly detailed environment, it is designed as a linear, story-driven experience rather than a sprawling open world. Benzies stated, “We aim to deliver a tightly crafted narrative that focuses on character development and thematic depth, distinguishing it from the expansive sandbox gameplay of GTA” .
Innovative Gameplay and Episodic Structure
Unlike the traditional open-world format, MindsEye introduces an episodic structure, with each chapter exploring different facets of the game’s universe. This approach allows for a more focused narrative and gameplay experience. Assistant game director Adam Whiting highlighted the game’s “faux-open world” design, offering a semi-open environment that encourages exploration without overwhelming the player .
The gameplay emphasizes strategic combat, vehicular chases, and drone-assisted missions, providing a dynamic and immersive experience. The integration of user-generated content through the Everywhere platform further enriches the game’s world, allowing players to create and share their own stories and missions .
A New Direction in Storytelling
Benzies has expressed a desire to evolve from the traditional sandbox formula, focusing instead on delivering a narrative that resonates with players on an emotional level. He stated, “With MindsEye, we’ve pushed cinematic adventure to the next level, building characters and a world that feels truly alive” . The game’s themes of artificial intelligence, corporate espionage, and political corruption aim to provoke thought and discussion among players.
Conclusion
While MindsEye may draw comparisons to GTA 6 due to its origins and thematic elements, it stands as a distinct entity in the gaming landscape. With its episodic storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a focus on narrative depth, MindsEye offers a fresh perspective on interactive entertainment. As the release date approaches, players can anticipate an engaging and thought-provoking experience that sets a new benchmark for cinematic action-adventure games.