The GOTY 2026 race starts right now

2026 is almost halfway over, and now is as good a time as any to start thinking about which game will win the coveted Game of the Year award in December. In just a few short months, the gaming world has become incredibly stacked in almost every genre imaginable, with incredible sequels, spin-offs and new IPs sprinting to the finish line to claim the prize for themselves.

Picking a winner at this point is pretty difficult, especially considering how many more games are coming out between now and awards season, but it's clear that first place will be nothing short of a cake walk for everyone involved. Whether gamers are fans of horror, action, farming or something else entirely, they can't deny that 2026 is already one of the best years for gaming and a true testament to how passion and talent really do lead to exceptional experiences.

Pragmatics

A story for the ages

Details:

• An emotional, character-driven story

• Unique puzzle-like combat

Pragmatics it's emotional, fun, and incredibly satisfying to play, covering all the bases in one fell swoop while doing so as a completely original IP. The story follows two very different characters, one a human from Earth and the other a childlike android who knows nothing about the world, but despite everything they form an unlikely bond that only grows stronger as the game progresses.

In terms of gameplay, rather than following the typical third-person formula, the game offers players a sort of hacking mini-game that allows them to take apart enemies from within using a number of different node abilities. The combination of both aspects means that players are physically and emotionally engaged from start to finish, and as far as single player story games go, this is easily one of the best released in a very long time.

Resident Evil Requiem

The king of survival horror

Details:

• An incredible double story

• Star map design and layout

RE9 somehow manages to refine the survival horror formula even more than its predecessors, bringing back so many iconic characters, locations and enemies to deliver an experience that ranks among the best in the series. This time, the dual story focuses on Grace Ashcroft and Leon Kennedy as the two cross paths and work together to uncover the truth behind a strange series of deaths they suspect are related to Raccoon City.

Following many notes from modern entries and remakes, the game continues the trend of mixing action and horror into one, having segments that focus heavily on horror and others where Leon shows why he is the king of the zombie genre. It's a ton of fun and has everything a fan of the series could want, while serving as a great entry point for anyone just diving into the greatness that is Resident Evil.

Crimson Desert

Expanding the Open-World genre further

Details:

• Breathtaking landscape

• Incredible depth in mechanics

The open world space is fiercely challenged by some pretty incredible games, so when a newcomer comes along that can stand on its own two feet, it's more than impressive. When Crimson Desert was first shown, it was clear that players were expecting something special, and now that it's here, the scope, variety, detail and depth are just as good as everyone expected.

Kliff's story across factions is engrossing and strong enough to hold the player's attention for dozens of hours, but the main draw comes from the sheer amount of content available in the game. Players can ride dragons, farm crops, scale bosses, and complete virtually any task and activity they can think of, setting the bar even higher for future single-player games to follow.

Saros

Pushing those mechanical limits

Details:

• Quick third-person shooting

• Battles with bullet hell and encounters with enemies

In many ways it looks like Return he walked like that Saros could fly because the two games share so many similarities, but the latter goes further and delivers a challenging and rewarding shooter unlike any other. The game loop takes notes from roguelikes and bullet-hell, but the perspective makes the action much harder and ensures that every moment is much more intense than traditional games in this genre.

The world design here does a lot of heavy lifting and has a mysterious yet appealing aesthetic that keeps players guessing long into the story. It's no wonder critics are already hailing it as the studio's crowning achievement, and from a wider industry perspective, it could definitely make some waves during this year's awards season.

Nioh 3

Another wave of Soulslike Greats

Details:

• Switching playstyles mid-fight

• Huge open areas to explore

Nioh 3 once again showed that FromSoftware is not the only developer that can create a great soul. The focus has been broadened this time around, with larger open fields filled with even more Yokai and an expanded combat system that revolves around two distinct styles that offer vastly different play styles.

One minute players are rushing around attacking with a flurry of blades, and the next they're patiently waiting for the perfect moment to strike, giving fights a certain rhythm that's immensely satisfying right from the start. It is considered by many to be the best of the series and a standout in the Souls-like setting that continues to push itself to new heights while still maintaining the core principles that have made the genre so widely loved.

Cairn

Climbing On A More Intimate Scale

Details:

• Inspired by real climbing techniques

• The personal story behind the survey

Cairn it's equal parts relaxing and stressful, and the closest thing to an acrophobe's worst nightmare. Playing as the first-class climber Aava, players begin a slow and methodical climb up Mount Kami and must think about foot placement, weight distribution and dwindling supplies in order to make it to the top alive.

Part of what makes the game so great is how well it blends mechanics and story into one. Once players reach a new segment or challenge, they are presented with a nice bit of story detail that contextualizes the challenge before them and adds an emotional weight that will resonate with many and give them the courage to continue in the game and in their own lives.

Pokemon Pokopia

I have to Farm 'Em All

Details:

• A cozy farm spin-off

• All the classic charm and cuteness in condensed form

It's been a long time, though Pokemon fans can finally live a nice, simple life with their lovely friends in the world Popopia. Instead of traditional combat, it focuses on farming, building, and generally just relaxing surrounded by iconic creatures from all sides. Pokemon universe.

Because of how malleable the world is, there's nothing stopping players from creating the perfect little haven with no bad guys to get in the way of enjoying it. It's simplistic and charming, and exactly what many fans have wanted for decades, making it a real contender for not only Nintendo's best game of the year, but potentially the best overall.