Leslie Benzies Shares His Thoughts on GTA and New Game MindsEye

Leslie Benzies, one of the key figures behind the success of Grand Theft Auto V, has recently opened up about his thoughts on Rockstar’s upcoming title, GTA 6. Benzies, who played a major role in developing GTA V, left the company amid a major lawsuit and disputes with Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive. Now leading his own studio, Build A Rocket Boy, he is also preparing to release a new game, MindsEye. In a recent interview, Benzies discussed his expectations for GTA 6, the comparisons to his new project, and his future plans in the gaming industry.

In a conversation with GamingBible, Benzies expressed his faith in Rockstar’s ability to deliver something truly extraordinary with GTA 6. He praised the “geniuses” at the studio for constantly pushing the boundaries of gaming and creating experiences that are unmatched in scale and innovation. His words reflect a deep respect for the team he once worked with, despite the legal battles that led to his departure.

Benzies has had a complicated relationship with Rockstar since he left in 2016. He filed a lawsuit claiming he was owed $150 million in royalties and was forced out of the company due to alleged “performance and conduct issues.” However, Take-Two, Rockstar’s parent company, dismissed his claims, asserting that Benzies left voluntarily after facing internal issues.

Now at the helm of Build A Rocket Boy, Benzies is focused on the development of his new game, MindsEye. The upcoming title, set for release in June for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, has already drawn comparisons to the GTA series. However, Benzies downplayed these connections, acknowledging that comparisons are inevitable but insisting that his new project will eventually stand on its own merits. He likened the situation to that of Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters, who faced constant comparisons to Nirvana, the band Grohl was a part of before his success with the Foo Fighters.

MindsEye is being published by IO Interactive, the same company behind the Hitman series, and although it’s clearly generating interest due to Benzies’ history with Rockstar, it is important for the game to carve out its own identity. The industry is closely watching the evolution of this new project, which could represent a significant step in Benzies’ post-Rockstar career.

As for GTA 6, much excitement is building around its release later this year for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. While an exact release date has yet to be confirmed, the unveiling of other major titles like Mafia: The Old Country and Borderlands 4 could offer clues about when Rockstar plans to drop GTA 6. As anticipation for the next chapter in the Grand Theft Auto series reaches new heights, Benzies’ comments only add fuel to the fire.

What Undercode Says:

Leslie Benzies’ perspective on GTA 6 adds an interesting layer to the anticipation surrounding Rockstar’s next big release. While fans eagerly await confirmation of details like the release date, Benzies’ words suggest that the talent behind the game will continue to deliver experiences that push the limits of open-world gaming. Having been part of Rockstar’s core team, Benzies is no stranger to the level of innovation that the studio is capable of, and his optimism about the upcoming game carries weight.

However, Benzies’ focus on MindsEye, his new venture, is a reminder that his influence on the gaming world isn’t confined to his past work with GTA. MindsEye represents a fresh chapter for him, one that could either solidify his reputation or risk being overshadowed by the shadow of GTA’s massive legacy. The comparison to Nirvana and the Foo Fighters is apt; Benzies has big shoes to fill, but with his experience, there’s a good chance he will forge a new identity for himself and his studio.

The legal dispute with Rockstar and the public fallout that followed hasn’t diminished Benzies’ belief in the talent at his former employer. This speaks volumes about his respect for the craft of game development, and it’s clear that regardless of the drama, he sees Rockstar as a company that will continue to innovate at the highest level. If anything, it gives credence to the idea that GTA 6 is in good hands, and Rockstar is still a major force in the gaming industry.

Fans of GTA and Benzies will be keeping a close eye on both GTA 6 and MindsEye, looking for signs of where both projects might innovate and take the industry next. Will GTA 6 push the boundaries of open-world gameplay in ways that its predecessors didn’t? And can MindsEye find its own place in a market dominated by games like GTA, or will it forever be compared to Benzies’ legacy at Rockstar?

The gaming world is in for an exciting ride, and these two projects could very well redefine the future of interactive entertainment.

Fact Checker Results:

Benzies did indeed leave Rockstar Games in 2016 after a dispute, and his claims of being owed royalties have been publicly confirmed by the lawsuit he filed.
Rockstar Games has yet to confirm an official release date for GTA 6, although there have been numerous leaks and rumors pointing toward a late 2023 or early 2024 launch.
MindsEye, developed by Benzies’ new studio Build A Rocket Boy, will be published by IO Interactive and is set for release in June 2025.