Metacritic Names Worst-Reviewed Game of 2025, Sparking Outrage

Metacritic has identified the worst-reviewed game of 2025, an open-world title developed by Build A Rocket Boy, a studio comprised of former Rockstar Games talent. Despite a substantial advertising campaign and various pre-launch appearances, including at the Summer Game Fest, the game has been met with significant criticism, resulting in a dismal average rating of just 28. This score places it well below the next lowest-rated title, which scored nine points higher.

The game launched in June 2025 and has been criticized for its myriad flaws. Players reported issues such as a stunted open world, numerous bugs, poor enemy AI, and repetitive gameplay that detracted from the overall experience. Although the developer has issued updates aimed at rectifying some of these problems, many players feel that the initial damage has already been done.

In a landscape crowded with titles from lesser-known studios, this game stood out due to its high-profile origins. Marketing efforts generated considerable buzz, yet they failed to translate into a positive reception. The game’s launch was met with harsh reviews, and players voiced their dissatisfaction with the gameplay mechanics and story, describing it as predictable and uninspired.

In response to the backlash, Build A Rocket Boy has made several updates to improve the game. These changes include rebalancing difficulty, enhancing cover shooting mechanics, allowing players to skip cutscenes, and introducing new side activities. The studio has also added checkpoints and improved ammo drops, all in an effort to address player concerns and enhance the overall experience.

Despite these efforts, the game continues to occupy the bottom tier of Metacritic’s rankings. In a formal statement, the studio expressed gratitude for player feedback, acknowledging that “every bit of feedback, positive, negative, or in between, has helped improve the game and keep it moving in the right direction.” Whether these adjustments will significantly alter the game’s trajectory remains uncertain.

The recognition of this title as the worst-reviewed game of 2025 not only highlights the challenges faced by developers in a competitive market but also underscores the importance of quality assurance and player satisfaction. As the gaming community moves forward, it will be interesting to see if Build A Rocket Boy can turn its fortunes around or if this title will be remembered primarily for its poor reception.