Metacritic just released its 16th annual game publisher rankings, revealing a tough year for two major players: Sony ended up in a disappointing 21st place, while Nintendo didn’t make it into the top 10.
The rankings compile Metascores from each publisher’s qualifying releases. To appear on the list, a publisher must have a minimum number of reviewed titles. This method means that one major flop can drag down a publisher’s average score. Sony’s 21st-place finish suggests that its 2024 offerings underperformed with critics more than some of its standout titles might indicate.
Nintendo’s failure to reach the top 10 is also noteworthy. Historically, the company has ranked near the top due to its consistently strong first-party games. Missing the top 10 hints at a lighter year for reviewed titles, a trend to keep an eye on as the Nintendo Switch 2 release cycle gains traction in 2025.
The complete list includes 28 publishers ranked by Metacritic based on average scores from titles released during the evaluation period. Mid-tier and indie publishers often outperform major console brands because they tend to release fewer, more carefully selected titles. This smaller sample size can boost averages when every release is well-received. In contrast, Sony and Nintendo release extensive catalogs that expose them to greater critical variance.
As games.gg reported, Sony’s 21st-place finish stands out, especially considering its focus on high-quality single-player games. The ranking period reflects the mixed reviews for several PlayStation Studios projects. On the other hand, Nintendo Life pointed out that Nintendo’s drop comes despite individual titles performing well; the overall volume and mix of games just didn’t average out favorably this time.
| Annual Metacritic Publisher Rankings Edition | 16th (2025) |
| Total Publishers Ranked | 28 |
| Sony Interactive Entertainment Placement | 21st |
| Nintendo Placement | Outside Top 10 |
| Ranking Methodology | Average Metascore across qualifying releases |
Community reactions to Sony’s ranking have been sharp. One Steam reviewer, who has spent a lot of time with Sony-published titles on PC, remarked: “in its current state, bf2042 is better than bf6.” This reflects a wider frustration with the quality of major publisher releases. Whether this frustration impacts Metacritic scores will depend on critic consensus, but the sentiment around big publishers is clearly skeptical as we head into 2025.
What To Watch
- Nintendo Switch 2 launch slate: Nintendo’s exit from the top 10 makes its next ranking cycle crucial. A strong lineup of well-reviewed titles for the Switch 2 could help the company regain its historically strong position on this list.
- Sony’s first-party pipeline: A 21st-place finish is likely to create internal pressure at PlayStation Studios. Keep an eye on whether Sony speeds up or delays upcoming first-party titles in light of the critical feedback that led to this ranking.
- Mid-tier publishers to track: Pay attention to the publishers that outperformed both Sony and Nintendo this year. Consistent critical success from smaller portfolios often indicates which studios may attract interest from platform holders looking to improve their review averages.
