Metacritic has identified the lowest-rated game of 2025, an open-world title that has drawn criticism for its numerous flaws. Developed by Build A Rocket Boy, a studio comprised of former talent from Rockstar Games, the game launched with high expectations and a significant marketing campaign. Unfortunately, it received an average score of just 28, placing it well below the next lowest-rated game on the list, which scored 37.
Major Flaws Impact Reception
The game faced substantial backlash upon its release in June 2025 due to issues such as a limited open world, persistent bugs, and repetitive gameplay mechanics. Critics highlighted its poor enemy artificial intelligence and a story that many deemed predictable. Despite the initial enthusiasm, these factors contributed to a significantly negative reception from players and reviewers alike.
In an effort to address the issues, Build A Rocket Boy has implemented several updates aimed at improving gameplay. Changes include adjustments to difficulty levels, enhancements to cover shooting mechanics, and the introduction of new side activities. The studio has also added features such as the option to skip cutscenes and lengthy travel times to missions, alongside increasing the frequency of ammo drops to enhance player experience.
Although the developer has expressed gratitude towards players for their feedback, stating that “every bit of feedback, positive, negative, or in between, has helped improve the game,” it remains uncertain whether these updates will significantly alter the game’s overall reception.
Context within the Gaming Landscape
This game’s performance is particularly noteworthy as it stands out among a list of lesser-known titles compiled by Metacritic. While many of the other games on the list received average scores around 37, this title was the only one to attract such widespread attention both pre-launch and post-release, having been featured at events like Summer Game Fest and backed by a robust advertising campaign.
The stark contrast between its anticipated success and actual performance highlights the unpredictable nature of game development and consumer reception. As the gaming community continues to evolve, instances like this serve as reminders of the challenges developers face in meeting player expectations.
While Build A Rocket Boy strives to correct its course, the game’s dubious honor as the worst-reviewed title of 2025 underscores the importance of quality assurance and player feedback in the gaming industry. As updates roll out, it will be essential to monitor player responses to see if the game can recover from its rocky start.
