The 44th Golden Joystick Awards have officially revealed the frontrunners vying for the prestigious 2026 Ultimate Game of the Year title. While the lineup delivers a competitive race that is genuinely difficult to predict—a stark contrast to the predictability of the 2023 ceremony—it is hard to shake the feeling that several superior titles were left off the final ballot.

A mix of expected powerhouses anchors the list, including 007 First Light, Big Walk, Dispatch, and Pokémon Pokopia. They are joined by other heavy hitters such as the delightfully chaotic Control Resonant. Though it serves as a fantastic late inclusion, it faces an uphill battle to take home the ultimate prize, even if it stands as a personal favorite so far.

Nevertheless, a few selections spark debate, particularly when considering notable absences. Phantom Blade Zero is slated for release on October 29, just one day before public voting closes—an utterly baffling scheduling choice regardless of how exceptional the game proves to be. Meanwhile, Forza Horizon 6 delivers the reliable quality of its predecessors, though it marks the first entry in the franchise to be uninstalled within a mere six weeks.

2026 Golden Joystick Awards Game of the Year shortlist in full

  • 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

The most glaring omission by far is Mina the Hollower, a stunning, vibrant, and eerie action-adventure heavily inspired by Link’s Awakening. This marks yet another snub from the Golden Joysticks, which relegated the title strictly to the Best Indie Game — Self-Published category.

While Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave remains untested personally, widespread acclaim from peers highlights its brilliance, upholding the tradition of a major first-party Nintendo release being sidelined for GOTY contention. Other titles like SAROS, Enshrouded, and Gears of War E-Day equally warranted serious consideration.

Additional titles that made an impression include the eccentric cat-breeding tactical RPG Mewgenics, which demanded removal simply to reclaim daily productivity, and Cairn, a breathtaking free-climbing adventure that masterfully sustains tension long after the controller is put down. On the multiplayer front, Orbitals matched the joy found in Big Walk through entirely unique mechanics, serving as a constant source of entertainment throughout the year.

Another memorable release that predictably missed the cut is Mixtape, which sparked some of the most polarized reactions of 2026. Critical divides were stark, and the brutal Metacritic user score zeroes paint a picture of severe community backlash, despite deep personal affection for the project.

Public voting for all 12 contenders is currently live on the official Golden Joysticks website. The polls are scheduled to close at 5:00 PM PT, 8:00 PM ET, and midnight GMT on Friday, October 30.