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Golden Joystick Awards 2026: Game of the Year Nominees Revealed and Voting Now Open
The 12 nominees for Ultimate Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards 2026 have been announced. From Phantom Blade Zero to Resident Evil Requiem, see the full list and all voting dates.
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The 12 nominees for the biggest award at the Golden Joystick Awards 2026, the "Ultimate Game of the Year," have been announced. Voting is open until October 30, and the winner will be revealed at the ceremony in London on November 11.
Game of the Year Nominees
The list is quite diverse, featuring both blockbuster titles and some unexpected surprises:
- 007 First Light
- Big Walk
- Control Resonant
- Crimson Desert
- Dispatch
- Forza Horizon 6
- Phantom Blade Zero
- Pokémon Pokopia
- Pragmata
- Resident Evil Requiem
- Star Wars: Galactic Racer
- The Blood of Dawnwalker
One of the nominees, Phantom Blade Zero, is launching this week and has already scored 88 on Metacritic before its release. The Blood of Dawnwalker and Resident Evil Requiem, both released in September, are also strong contenders.
How Does Voting Work?
The Golden Joystick Awards are determined by the votes of gamers worldwide, collected by GamesRadar. Voting for the Ultimate Game of the Year opened on October 26.
| What? | When? |
|---|---|
| Voting Opens | October 26, 2026 |
| Voting Closes | October 31, 2026, 01:00 CET |
| Award Ceremony | November 11, 2026, Troxy, London |
Voting for the other 21 categories, including Best Storytelling, Best Indie Game, Studio of the Year, PC Game of the Year and Console Game of the Year, closed on October 23.
Where to Watch the Ceremony
The event will be hosted by Alix Wilton Regan and streamed live on YouTube, Twitch and X. You can also catch the broadcast on GamesRadar and PC Gamer's official channels.
Our Top Pick
This year's decision is truly tough. Crimson Desert has been one of the most anticipated open-world games for years, while Resident Evil Requiem brings a fresh twist to the legendary franchise.
But our surprise favorite might just be Phantom Blade Zero. Its review scores are outstanding, and launching during the voting period keeps it fresh in gamers' minds.
Want to Try the Nominees Yourself?
Most nominees are available on PC and consoles. If you want to get them on Steam, you can top up your account with a Steam Wallet Code. For PS5, use a PlayStation Store Gift Card to add funds. If you're playing on Xbox, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is another great option.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Golden Joystick Awards 2026?
The ceremony will take place on November 11, 2026, at Troxy in London and will be streamed live.
When does Game of the Year voting end?
Voting closes on October 31 at 01:00 CET.
How many games are nominated?
There are 12 nominees for Ultimate Game of the Year.
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