Game Awards 2026: All Game of the Year front-runners and predictions
The 13th Game Awards ceremony is scheduled for December 10, 2026, and is expected to be significantly influenced by the release of Grand Theft Auto 6. However, the title’s eligibility remains uncertain, as any slip in the release date beyond one day could render it ineligible for consideration. Even if GTA 6 qualifies, tight timelines may prevent the voting jury from adequately playing and evaluating the game.
Historically, major Rockstar releases have faced unexpected competition in industry awards. God of War and The Last of Us defeated Rockstar titles Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA 5 respectively at multiple award shows, demonstrating that established franchises don’t always secure the industry’s top accolades. This precedent suggests the 2026 Game of the Year race could remain competitive despite GTA 6’s presumed frontrunner status.
The Game Awards voting body comprises international games media representatives with weighted contributions to the final decision. This diverse jury structure continues to influence which titles ultimately claim the industry’s most prestigious gaming award.