Golden Joystick Awards 2026 Nominations Announced
Voting open for 21 categories including Console and PC Game of the Year.
1Nominations Overview
The 44th annual Golden Joystick Awards has announced nominations across 21 categories, featuring major titles like Resident Evil Requiem, 007 First Light, and Big Walk. Public voting is open until October 23, with winners revealed on November 11. The awards showcase a diverse lineup of AAA blockbusters and indie hits, with no single game dominating this year's nominations. The ceremony precedes the highly anticipated GTA 6 launch by one week.
2Key Categories
Major categories include Console Game of the Year (007 First Light, Forza Horizon 6), PC Game of the Year (Big Walk, Crimson Desert), and Most Wanted Game (Alien: Isolation 2, Fable). The Ultimate Game of the Year shortlist will be announced on October 26. Special categories honor Best Audio Design, Best Visual Design, and Best Storytelling, recognizing different aspects of game development excellence.
3Voting Process
Fans worldwide can vote for their favorite games across all categories until October 23 at 4pm PT. The awards emphasize this year's unpredictability, stating votes will be more influential than ever in determining winners. Voting occurs entirely online through the Golden Joystick Awards website, with results determining the November 11 ceremony outcomes.
4Industry Recognition
The awards celebrate gaming's evolution since 1983 while maintaining the iconic joystick trophy. Content director Daniel Dawkins highlights the balanced representation of indie games like Big Walk alongside AAA titles. The ceremony serves as an important industry benchmark, especially with its timing just before GTA 6's landmark release.
5Hardware Nominations
The Best Gaming Hardware category features cutting-edge peripherals from Logitech (G PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE), Razer (Viper V4 Pro), and Sony (INZONE M10S II). These nominations reflect ongoing innovation in gaming controllers and accessories, with winners influencing holiday season purchasing decisions.
6Diverse Representation
Nominations span multiple genres and development scales, from self-published indies (Mina the Hollower) to studio blockbusters (Resident Evil Requiem). Performance categories recognize voice actors like Aaron Paul (Dispatch) and Angela Sant'Albano (Resident Evil Requiem), highlighting gaming's growing narrative sophistication.
7Ceremony Significance
The November 11 awards ceremony marks a key moment in the gaming calendar, occurring during peak release season. With GTA 6 launching shortly after, the event serves as both a celebration of current achievements and a preview of industry trends. The redesigned awards format honors gaming's heritage while looking forward.
8Industry Impact
The Golden Joystick Awards remain one of gaming's longest-running and most prestigious honors. This year's emphasis on voter influence and diverse nominations reflects the industry's maturation. Winners typically see measurable sales boosts, making these awards commercially significant beyond their prestige value.
Original article: Latest from TechRadar — Golden Joystick Awards 2026 Nominations Announced