Code Violet has launched on PlayStation 5 to a notably poor critical reception, earning a 40 percent score on Metacritic just ten days into 2026. With reviews now aggregated, the game is already being discussed as a potential contender for the lowest-rated PlayStation 5 release of the year.
Released on January 10, 2026, Code Violet is a third-person action horror survival game developed by TeamKill Media. The title positions itself as a spiritual successor to the Dino Crisis formula, emphasizing limited resources, inventory management, and constant pressure from prehistoric enemies. Set in the 25th century on the colony world of Trappist 1-E, players take control of Violet Sinclair, a woman taken from the past to help sustain a future humanity facing extinction.
Despite extended development and several last-minute delays intended to refine its Unreal Engine 5 presentation, the final product has failed to resonate with critics. The 40 percent Metacritic score places Code Violet on equal footing with TeamKill Media’s previous release, Quantum Error, which received the same aggregate score following its 2023 launch. The comparison has been difficult to avoid, especially given that both games were positioned as ambitious genre experiments built with high-end technology.
Code Violet was released exclusively for PlayStation 5. The developers publicly ruled out a PC version, citing concerns over inappropriate modifications, and did not pursue Xbox platforms due to limited manpower. These decisions contributed to widespread discussion ahead of launch, adding to the scrutiny once reviews became available.
TeamKill Media remains a small, family-run studio based in West Virginia, consisting of four brothers known for their PlayStation-first development approach. The team has earned a reputation for producing visually striking games that often exceed expectations for a studio of its size. Following Quantum Error, the studio released Son and Bone before moving on to Code Violet, continuing its focus on cinematic horror experiences.
Whether Code Violet ultimately holds the title of lowest-rated PlayStation 5 game of 2026 remains to be seen. However, earning a 40 percent Metacritic score so early in the year places it in an unenviable position.
