The 2026 GOTY race starts now

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

Picking a winner at this point is quite difficult, especially considering how many more games are coming out between now and awards season, but what is clear is that the top spot will be anything but a piece of cake 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 truly lead to exceptional experiences.

Pragmatics

A story for the ages

Details:

• Emotional, character driven story

• Unique puzzle-like combat

Pragmatics is 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 this they form an unlikely bond that only grows stronger as the game progresses.

When it comes to gameplay, rather than following the typical third-person formula, the game presents players with a sort of hacking mini-game that allows them to pick apart their enemies from the inside using a variety of node abilities. Both aspects combined mean 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:

• Incredible double story

• Stellar map design and layout

RE9 somehow manages to perfect 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 franchise. 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​​​​

Taking many notes from the modern entries and remakes, the game has continued the trend of mixing action and horror into one, with segments heavily focused on scares, and others where Leon gets to show why he's the king of the zombie genre. It's a lot of fun and has everything a fan of the series could ever want, while serving as a great starting point for anyone who hasn't yet delved into the greatness that is Resident Evil.

Crimson Desert

Extends the Open-World genre even further

Details:

• Breathtaking scenery

• Unreal depth in the mechanics

The open space is hotly contested by some pretty unreal games, so when a newcomer comes along that can stand toe to toe, it's more than impressive. When Crimson Desert was first shown, it was clear that players were onto something special, and now that it's here, the scale, variety, detail and depth are almost as good as anyone expected.

Kliff's narrative across the factions is compelling 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 get to ride dragons, farm crops, scale bosses, and complete virtually any task and activity imaginable, setting the bar even higher for future single-player games to follow.

Saros

Pushing the mechanical limits

Details:

• Quick third person photography

• Bullet-hell boss fights and enemy encounters

In many ways it feels like Return went like that Saros could fly, as the two games share so many similarities, but the latter goes even further to deliver a challenging and rewarding shooting experience unlike any other. The gameplay takes notes from roguelikes and bullet hells, but the perspective makes the action hit much harder and ensures that every moment feels much more intense than traditional games in the genre.

The world design does a lot of the heavy lifting here, with a mysterious yet alluring aesthetic that keeps players guessing well into the story. It's no wonder critics are already hailing it as a crowning achievement for the studio, and as far as the wider industry is concerned, it could definitely make some waves this year's awards season.

Nioh 3

The next wave of soulful greats

Details:

• Switching playstyles in the middle of a fight

• Huge open spaces to explore

Nioh 3 has once again shown that FromSoftware isn't the only developer that can make a great soul-like. The focus this time around has expanded, with larger open fields filled with even more Yokai, and an expanded battle system revolving around two distinct styles that offer very different playstyles.

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 feels hugely satisfying right from the start. Many consider it the best of the series and a standout in the soul-like space that continues to break into new ground, while maintaining the core principles that make the genre so universally beloved.

Cairn

Climbing On A More Intimate Scale

Details:

• Inspired by real climbing techniques

• Personal story that grounds the exploration

Cairn is equal parts relaxing and stressful, and the closest thing to an acrophobe's worst nightmare. Playing as world-class climber Aava, players begin a slow and methodical ascent of Mount Kami, needing to think about foot placement, weight distribution, and their dwindling supplies to make it to the top alive.

Part of what makes the game so good is how well it blends the mechanics and story into one. When players reach a new segment or challenge, they are presented with a nice story detail that contextualizes the challenge in front of them, adding an emotional weight that will resonate with many and give them the courage to keep pushing forward, both in the game and in their own lives.

Pokemon Pokopia

Must Farm 'Em All

Details:

• Cozy agricultural offshoot

• All classic charm and sweetness in a condensed form

It was a long time ago, though Pokémon fans can finally live a nice, easy life with their lovable pals in the world of Pokopia. Instead of traditional combat, it focuses on farming, building, and generally just having a relaxing time surrounded by iconic creatures from all sides of Pokémon universe.

Due to how malleable the world is, there's nothing stopping players from creating the perfect little haven for themselves, with few villains to keep them from having fun. It's simplistic and charming, and exactly what many fans have wanted for decades, making it a real contender not only for Nintendo's best game this year, but potentially the best overall.