The first title from Build a Rocket Boy, "MindsEye," developed by ex-Rockstar Games executive Leslie Benzies, has plunged into a disappointing review in just days since its release.
Initially priced at $59.99, the much-awaited action-adventure game has already been found on Walmart's clearance shelves for a mere $20, a whopping 66% discount within days of its release cycle.
Massive Price Drop Raises Eyebrows Among Gamers
The initial sighting of the monumental discount was spotted on Reddit, when an American gamer posted a photo of the title, still shrink-wrapped, on Walmart's bargain shelf. While it is unknown whether this is a nationwide shift or a one-off local occurrence, the massive discount is likening itself to one of gaming's most disastrous launches—"Cyberpunk 2077."
In 2020, CD Projekt Red's sci-fi RPG was also rapidly outsold to clearance bins after a widely panned and buggy release. In the case of "MindsEye," the discount is not on a return or refurbished copy but on a brand-new retail version, indicating a more general loss of faith in the product's short-term worth.
Not Recalled, But the Signs Are Troubling
To date, "MindsEye" has not been subject to an official recall like Sony's brief removal of "Concord." If that happens, however, early purchasers may end up with a collectible, much like physical misprints or pulled editions that subsequently increase in value among fans.
All that aside, the game's initial fall into bargain-bin territory can be attributed less to exclusivity and more to poor performance. Players on all platforms have complained of glitches, performance problems, and an incomplete feel: elements that caused Sony to sanction refunds via the PlayStation Store, a second rarity mirroring "Cyberpunk's" troubled early days.
History of Clearance Culture in Gaming
While Walmart's reduction of "MindsEye's" price quickly after launch is surprising, it's not new. Stores tend to move quickly to write down losses when a major game bombs on its debut, according to The Gamer.
Aside from "Cyberpunk 2077," other titles such as "Anthem" and "Fallout 76" also got discounted within weeks of release because of controversy and negative reactions.
When you take a close look at its Steam Reviews, they are mostly negative. 1,680 reviews have been posted as of June 16.
Meijer, another American retailer, apparently sold even deeper discounts of "Cyberpunk" in 2020, yet another example of how retailers quickly shift gears when public opinion becomes unfavorable.
How Did the Developer Respond?
In the face of the backlash, Build a Rocket Boy made a statement on social media admitting to the game's bumpy launch. "We are heartbroken," said the team, before pledging post-launch support through patches and updates.
They want to get an "equally high-quality experience" out on all platforms, hoping to regain disillusioned fans and prevent long-term reputation damage to the studio.
