‘Grand Theft Auto 6’ Is Officially Eligible for the 2026 Game Awards

The Game Awards have officially confirmed that Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) is eligible to compete in the 2026 edition of their prestigious event. To be eligible for the awards, games must be commercially released before midnight ET on November 20, 2026. GTA 6, released on November 19, 2026, meets this criterion just in time to be considered.

To vie for the Player’s Voice category, which is a fan vote, the game must ship on or before November 30, 2026. Rockstar, the game's developer, is reportedly sending out review codes to critics before the end of October, ensuring that judges have sufficient time to evaluate the game before casting their votes. Last year, nominees for the 2025 Game Awards were announced on November 17, just four days before the cutoff, leaving judges with limited time to decide.

While The Game Awards is widely regarded as the most popular gaming awards show, it has faced criticism for focusing more on trailers and upcoming games rather than celebrating completed titles. However, GTA 6's strong track record and critical reception have led many to believe it could emerge as a frontrunner for Game of the Year, much like Baldur's Gate 3 did last year.

With a diverse lineup of high-scoring titles including Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, Mina the Hollower, and Resident Evil Requiem, the competition for Game of the Year is fierce this year.