The 44th Golden Joystick Awards has revealed the shortlist for its highest honour, the 'Ultimate Game of the Year' category, with 12 candidates making the cut for 2026.
The Golden Joysticks is the only video game awards show that is entirely voted on by fans, and 2026 is no different. The full list of nominees includes 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, and The Blood of Dawnwalker.
Eclectic selection of nominees
The list marks a notably varied selection, with expected AAA hits such as Crimson Desert and 007 First Light appearing alongside more indie-centric titles such as Big Walk and Dispatch. Dispatch missed the cut-off date to be considered for the Golden Joystick Awards last year.
Voting and ceremony details
Being the only video game awards show entirely voted on by fans, the public can nominate their pick for the 'Ultimate Game of the Year' award winner right now. The public vote closes at 5pm PT / 8pm ET / midnight GMT on Friday, October 30, 2026. The awards show will stream live on November 11, 2026, when the final winner will be revealed at the end of the night.
GTA 6, most notably, will release following the cut-off date, so expect that to be considered at 2027's Golden Joystick Awards.
