Despite receiving some of the harshest reviews in recent memory, Marvel’s Wolverine has emerged as Sony’s bestselling game of 2026, proving that commercial appeal can thrive even amid widespread criticism. The PlayStation Studios title, which currently sits at a modest 77 on Metacritic—one of the lowest scores for a Sony first-party release in years—has reportedly sold 1.9 million copies and generated $130 million in revenue according to estimates from Alinea Analytics. That performance places it ahead of every other PlayStation Studios game launched this year, including MLB The Show 26, Marathon, Saros, and Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls.
The numbers underscore a curious dynamic at Sony’s publishing arm: a game that critics have panned for its gameplay mechanics is nonetheless outselling peers that received far warmer receptions. While the exact figures are estimates rather than official disclosures from Sony, they paint a clear picture of where Wolverine stands among the company’s 2026 lineup and highlight broader concerns about declining first-party sales across the studio.
A Year of Struggle for Sony
The strong showing for Wolverine arrives against a backdrop of difficulty for PlayStation Studios. This has not been an easy year in terms of game sales, with several high-profile titles underperforming and triggering internal turmoil. Marathon appears to be teetering on the edge of a crisis after recently losing its director amid rumors that it was underperforming. Housemarque co-founder Ilari Kuittinen announced last month that he was leaving the company following the poor sales of Saros, while Tokon’s seemingly modest numbers sparked an online debate about what actually qualifies as a successful fighting game.
The struggles extend beyond individual titles. Sony’s first-party game sales have declined sharply over the past five years, dropping from 58.4 million units in fiscal year 2020 to just 28.9 million in fiscal year 2024. That steep decline has raised questions about whether the studio can sustain its commercial momentum as it navigates a competitive market and shifting consumer habits.
“Wolverine’s lackluster critical reception and bad online reputation are likely to hurt its long-term sales, causing it to underperform compared to Insomniac’s Spider-Man games.”
Rhys Elliot, Alinea Analytics
Why Wolverine Sold Well Despite the Backlash
Alinea Analytics’ Rhys Elliot offered several explanations for why Wolverine has sold relatively well despite its poor reviews. The character’s general popularity plays a significant role, particularly in the United States, where Americans accounted for 53% of the player base. Other major markets included the UK at 7%, France at 5%, and Canada at 4%. This concentrated American appeal aligns with Wolverine’s status as one of Marvel’s most iconic characters.
Elliot also noted that many players simply aren’t tuned into critical discourse or social media reactions, meaning they may purchase a new Wolverine game on instinct regardless of the online chatter. The character-driven appeal appears to outweigh concerns about the game’s actual quality for a substantial segment of buyers.
The criticism itself has been relentless since launch. Detractors have mocked the game for its “fart trail” UI hints, overreliance on quick-time events, mind-numbing platforming, and mediocre combat mechanics. These complaints have contributed to the title’s reputation online, even as sales figures suggest that such concerns haven’t deterred most buyers.
Looking Ahead
While Wolverine has enjoyed a strong launch, analysts warn that its long-term trajectory may prove more challenging. Elliot assumes that the game’s poor critical reception and damaged online reputation will eventually take a toll on sustained sales, likely causing it to underperform relative to Insomniac’s Spider-Man games, which have set a high bar for Sony’s Marvel adaptations.
The contrast between Wolverine’s commercial success and its critical failure raises important questions about the relationship between reviews and consumer behavior. As Sony continues to grapple with declining sales across its first-party catalog, the studio may need to examine how it balances character appeal with gameplay quality to ensure lasting success in an increasingly demanding market.
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