# GOTY 2026 Nominations Battle

> Eight games with 83-87 Metascores vie for Game of the Year.
- Title: GOTY 2026 Nominations Battle · Polygon | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: goty, metacritic, 2026, game awards, 85 club, pragmata, gears of war, star wars, zero company, saros, nioh 3, control resonant
- Source: Polygon — https://polygon.com/goty-watch-nominations-metacritic-85-club
- Author: Oli Welsh
- Published: 2026-10-04T10:00:15+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: goty, metacritic, 2026, game awards, 85 club, pragmata, gears of war, star wars, zero company, saros, nioh 3, control resonant
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.