Golden Joystick Awards 2026 GOTY Nominees Revealed

The Golden Joystick Awards 2026 has announced its Ultimate Game of the Year nominees, with voting open until October 30. The 44th edition of the prestigious awards ceremony takes place on November 11, featuring 12 notable nominees including Forza Horizon 6, Crimson Desert, and Phantom Blade: Zero.

Notably absent from the competition is Grand Theft Auto 6, the highly anticipated release, due to a timing conflict. The game launches on November 8, after voting closes on October 30 and four days after the awards ceremony itself, placing it outside the eligibility window.

The nominated titles represent a diverse range of genres and platforms. Forza Horizon 6 represents Xbox’s entry, having launched in May 2026. The broader nominee list includes action games like 007 First Light, The Blood of Dawnwalker, and Phantom Blade: Zero; action-adventure titles such as PRAGMATA and CONTROL Resonant; narrative experiences including Dispatch and Resident Evil Requiem; a racing game in STAR WARS: Galactic Racer; the unique experience Big Walk; and Nintendo’s Pokémon Pokopia.

Some anticipated Xbox exclusives notably didn’t make the cut, including Halo: Campaign Evolved and Gears of War: E-Day. The winner will be determined through public voting and announced at the ceremony in November.

Golden Joystick Awards 2026 GOTY Nominees Revealed

Sources