GTA 6's Game of the Year Chances Have Been Called Into Question

GTA 6's chances of being considered for Game of the Year at The Game Awards this year are being called into question. Actress, games writer, and former games journalist Alanah Pearce suggested on a recent live stream that the timing of the game's release may make it ineligible for nominations. Pearce argued that the cutoff date for TGA nominations has historically occurred around the same time as GTA 6's release this year.

Although some have argued that the cutoff last year was November 21, two days after GTA 6's release, there are still valid concerns. The main issue is whether players would have enough time to finish the game before voting on nominees, and if the jury would be willing to vote without finishing it, raising ethical concerns. However, there are a few potential ways for Rockstar to improve its chances.

Rockstar could request that The Game Awards push the voting deadlines back, which is not impossible given Geoff Keighley's interest in a successful event. Another possibility is that Rockstar could give jury members a significant head start to play the game before the cutoff date. If GTA 6 is ineligible this year, it might try again in 2027, still having a chance due to its upcoming online mode, which could garner a significant following and compete with other heavy hitters like Naughty Dog's Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.