Who is Leslie Benzies? The visionary ex-Rockstar developer behind MindsEye

Leslie Benzies is well known among fans of the Grand Theft Auto series. After years of silence since leaving Rockstar North, the developer is stepping back into the spotlight with his own studio, Build A Rocket Boy, and a bold new AAA title called MindsEye. This narrative-driven action-adventure game marks a major return, and fans are eager to see what he has been cooking up.

In this article, we’ll explore who Leslie Benzies is and what he’s been working on with MindsEye.

Who is Leslie Benzies?

Benzies is best known as the creative force behind Grand Theft Auto III through Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online. His work helped shape Rockstar’s reputation for open-world storytelling and blockbuster-level production. But after a legal dispute with Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two Interactive, Benzies confirmed his departure from the studio in 2016 and took some time out of the spotlight.

Looking for Crossword hints & solutions? Check out latest NYT Mini Crossword Answers, LA Times Crossword Answers, and Atlantic Crossword Answers

History of Leslie Benzies

Before founding his own studio, Leslie served as president of Rockstar North — one of the key studios behind some of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed games ever made. His portfolio includes a significant contribution to the development of Rockstar’s open-world design philosophy, which blends freedom, storytelling, and cinematic flair. After leaving Rockstar, he founded Build A Rocket Boy in Edinburgh and spent years quietly building something fresh, ambitious, and personal.

The man behind MindsEye

Leslie Benzies’ studio, Build A Rocket Boy, partnered with IO Interactive to launch their debut game, MindsEye, which was released on June 10, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. With Benzies as the game director, MindsEye casts players as Jacob Diaz — a former soldier caught in a future ruled by rogue AI and deep tech conspiracies. Set in the futuristic city of Redrock, the game delivers cinematic combat, sleek driving mechanics, and a layered story built in Unreal Engine 5.

Leslie Benzies is the visionary game director behind MindsEye (Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment)

But there’s more. This title features a Game Creation System that lets players design custom content using in-game assets. Benzies describes it as a step toward a more creative, player-driven future. The studio also promises monthly content drops with new missions and assets, suggesting MindsEye is more than just a one-off — it’s the start of something much larger.

Leslie Benzies is back, and he’s aiming big. With his new game, he’s mixing GTA-style action with new creative tools and a fresh story. This isn’t just about making a great game; it’s about building a platform for players and creators alike.

Also read: Hitman to appear in MindsEye, confirms IO Interactive CEO at Summer Games Fest 2025

Here are some other gaming articles from Sportskeeda for you to check out:

About the author

Ishant Jadhav is an Esports and Gaming writer at Sportskeeda. He is currently pursuing a B.Sc. in animation and VFX — a course that integrates various forms of media — and has worked with game developers, journalists, as well as filmmakers. He's also a game designer who has lent his talents to multiple indie projects.

Ishant's love of gaming was inspired by the Witcher series, and though he prefers single-player experiences, he doesn't restrict himself to them and often plays It Takes Two and Chained Together with his friends.

When Ishant isn't analyzing or playing video games, he can be found indulging in the works of authors like Dan Brown, George R.R. Martin, and more.

Know More

Are you stuck on today's Wordle? Our Wordle Solver will help you find the answer.

Edited by Adarsh J Kumar