Industry Leaders Clash Over Allegations of Paid Negative Reviews
The co-CEO of the developer behind the highly anticipated game MindsEye recently claimed that a deliberate effort is being made to discredit both the game and the studio behind it. He suggested that individuals are being paid to post negative comments online to tarnish the game’s reputation. However, Hakan Abrak, CEO of IO Interactive—the company publishing MindsEye—disagrees with these assertions.
The Origins of the Controversy
This controversy surfaced during the buildup to the game’s release scheduled for June 10. In the weeks leading up to launch, the game has faced a wave of negative feedback from some early viewers and critics. During a Q&A session on the official MindsEye Discord server two weeks ago, Build a Rocket Boy’s co-CEO Mark Gerhard was asked directly whether he believed the negative reactions were financially motivated.
Claims of Paid Critics
Gerhard responded confidently, stating: “100%,” and added with a laugh, “It doesn’t take much to guess who 🤣.” His comments sparked surprise among the community, with many pointing out how unusual it is for a studio executive to publicly accuse others of paid sabotage.
Industry Response and IO Interactive’s Position
The accusations prompted me to speak with Hakan Abrak during the recent IO Interactive showcase, where the studio highlighted upcoming projects including 007: First Light, Hitman, and MindsEye. Two weeks prior, IOI had declined to comment on the controversy. This time, I asked Abrak directly whether he believed the allegations were true.
CEO’s Denial and Focus on the Game
Abrak responded clearly: “I don’t know. I don’t believe that. I don’t believe that. I think the game should speak for itself when it releases on June 10.” He emphasized that the team is working diligently to ensure the game delivers a quality experience, regardless of online chatter.
Waiting Until Launch
He also addressed the rising negativity surrounding MindsEye now that the release date has approached. “We should all wait until June 10 because it’s normal for developers to work right up to the last minute, fixing bugs and polishing the game,” Abrak said. “Let’s give players the chance to enjoy the game without preconceptions.”
Exciting Features and Future Plans for MindsEye
Recently, game director Leslie Benzies joined IGN Live to discuss MindsEye, focusing especially on the new in-game user-generated content features. Fans can expect a variety of creative tools to personalize their experience, making the game more engaging and community-driven.
Our full interview with Abrak will be published later this week, covering not only MindsEye but also the future of the Hitman franchise and 007: First Light. The game will be available on June 10, 2025, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Alex Hunter
Alex is a passionate gamer with over a decade of experience exploring everything from AAA blockbusters to indie gems. He specializes in uncovering hidden secrets, mastering complex mechanics, and creating in-depth walkthroughs. Whether it’s a challenging boss fight or a puzzling questline, Alex breaks it all down in a way that’s fun, clear, and engaging for readers of all levels.
