GTA veteran’s new open-world game uses a camera trick while you drive “to make you feel like you’re on the edge of control, almost like you’re in a Fast & Furious film”

Leslie Benzies, the long-time driving force behind GTA 5 and more, is directing his upcoming project, MindsEye, toward intense car action that typically belongs in major films. Now leading the Edinburgh-based studio Build A Rocket Boy, Benzies has provided his team with a clear mandate: make every pursuit resemble the finale of a summer action flick. According to Assistant Game Director Adam Whiting, the benchmark is the Fast & Furious series, and that inspiration is evident the moment players maneuver a vehicle into a high-speed turn.

In an interview with Edge in issue 409, Whiting shares that “the camera separates as you navigate corners at high speeds to create a sensation of being on the verge of losing control, almost like being inside a Fast & Furious film.” This effect isn’t merely decorative; it relies on a specialized layer of Unreal Engine 5.4, where developers have dedicated months calibrating tire grip, suspension travel, and weight transfer to ensure that the dynamic camera motion feels connected to actual mechanical forces rather than a scripted animation.

The handling model strives for a balance between depth and accessibility. As Whiting describes, it’s quite user-friendly. You possess a high degree of precision, allowing for fine-tuning of the throttle, brake, and handbrake to maintain control consistently. However, many players, when they first engage with the controls, can immediately get into the driving experience.” This means that newcomers can drift along a highway after just a brief rehearsal, while experienced players still find opportunities to refine techniques like throttle control and Scandinavian flicks.

This adaptability extends to the garage. Specific missions provide you with factory buggies, extended off-road vehicles, upgraded street racers, and more. Each car is designed to showcase its unique character. One vehicle slides over loose gravel, while another stabilizes under hard braking, then bursts with speed on tight turns. Changing vehicles is not merely an aesthetic choice; it compels you to reconsider speed, braking points, and power oversteer angles every time the game hands you a new set of keys.

Benzies was instrumental in developing open-world driving that felt substantial yet enjoyable during his time with GTA, and MindsEye appears set to elevate that standard once again, delivering the cinematic thrill of an escape without compromising the snap and intricacies that dedicated driving enthusiasts seek. The studio has yet to announce a definite release date, but if Build A Rocket Boy executes successfully, players can look forward to a tightly-paced adventure where each handbrake turn feels poised for its own IMAX close-up.

Renowned GTA 5 veteran’s upcoming open-world game is described as a “fake open world,” but its main city bears a striking resemblance to Cyberpunk 2077.

Nathan Walters initially joined Future in February 2022 as a deals writer and is located in Cardiff, Wales. He has reported on subjects such as graphics cards, mobile devices, and gaming consoles.