From Polygon · Oli Welsh · · 1m 20s
GOTY 2026 Nominations Battle
Eight games with 83-87 Metascores vie for Game of the Year.
In brief
Eight games with 83-87 Metascores vie for Game of the Year. Eight games rated 83-87 on Metacritic are in contention for 2026's Game of the Year award after GTA 6 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake are expected to secure nominations. Originally reported by Polygon.
2026's Game of the Year
2026 has no modern classics yet, with only three new games scoring 90-plus on Metacritic.
The 85 Club
Eight games rated 83-87 on Metacritic are potential Game of the Year contenders.
GOTY Nomination Slots
Two slots remain open after GTA 6 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake are expected to secure nominations.
85 Club Games
007 First Light, Gears of War: E-Day, Star Wars: Zero Company, Pragmata, Saros, Nioh 3, Control Resonant, and The Blood of Dawnwalker all scored 83-87 on Metacritic.
Critical Reception
The Blood of Dawnwalker and Control Resonant have the strongest critical reception among the 85 Club games.
Nominations Likely
The Blood of Dawnwalker and Control Resonant are the most likely to be nominated for Game of the Year.
Other Contenders
Crimson Desert, Pokémon Pokopia, and Phantom Blade Zero are potential contenders but face challenges in gaining nominations.
85 Club's Fate
Most 85 Club games will not be nominated for Game of the Year despite strong critical reception.
The essence
Eight games rated 83-87 on Metacritic are in contention for 2026's Game of the Year award after GTA 6 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake are expected to secure nominations.
