Game of the Year 2026: The Year of Grand Theft Auto VI?

Gamers know all too well the wait for AAA titles to hit the market. The agonizing wait lasts years as developers trickle out teases. Well, for one game the wait is over. Rockstar Games will be releasing Grand Theft Auto VI in September and they will be taking preorders starting at the end of June. The seminal franchise returns with all new protagonists as well as a return to the fan favorite neon laden Vice City.

This could be the most anticipated release of all time. Does this mean GTA VI will be awarded Game of the Year? Let's talk games.

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2026 Game of the Year

Last year's Game of the Year was Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 which was a narrative drive turned-based game from Sandfall Interactive. Set in an alternate world inspired by French culture and architecture the game was heavily praised for its visuals and world building. Most importantly, players found the turn based game mechanics to be fun and intuitive.

Will a similar type of game win this year?

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Grand Theft Auto VI (-185)

Rockstar's franchise is reportedly worth over ten billion dollars making it one of the most lucrative intellectual properties currently existing. The last Grand Theft Auto entry came back in 2013. The game was expanded and ported to new consoles, but players have been waiting 13 years for a new iteration of the franchise.

One could reasonably assume for this to be game of the year. Graphics looks bleeding edge, mechanics should be satisfying and the story will be rich.

However, high expectations and a long wait could yield volatile reactions. This is juiced, but this is also probably the only time this game will be a playable number.

Resident Evil Requiem (+400)

Requiem is Latin for rest, but this franchise clearly has no intention to. Since 1996 we have been delighted by the disgusting and daunting beings that reside within the franchise. The newest entry promises all that made fans and gamers fall in love with the world.

Also, that world continues to grow as audiences will be getting a new film instalment to the franchise as well.

The director of last year's smash hit 'Weapons' has directed the next movie. Zach Cregger is a fan of the franchise and hopes to do it justice.

Resident Evil Requiem isn't a bad choice for game of the year based upon its fanbase and the consistency of past efforts.

Half-Life 3 (+900)

This one is interesting. This game isn't even officially announced or in development. However, plenty of scoopers claim Valve is working on a large title in secret.

Half-Life would fit the bill. 2004's Half-Life 2 is considered to be one of the greatest games ever produced. Its sci-fi narrative grabs you while the game mechanics of a fantastic shooter are combined with puzzle solving.

Many developers are avoiding releasing games in September due to GTA VI's release. Rightfully so. People are going to call in sick for days upon initial release. However, If one game can stop the juggernaut of Rockstar it would be Valve surprising the world with Half-Life 3.

Crimson Desert (+1000)

From established properties we move to an entirely original world created by Pearl Abyss. Crimson Desert is an ambitious open world fantasy game that has been received with differing opinions.

The consensus is that the game is impressive but tedious. Fortunately, games like these tend to shine over time. It should be noted that players have major criticisms about the writing, narrative and inconsistent design choices.

The game has attracted fans of Skyrim, The Witcher, and open world fans in general. Is that enough to beat Grand Theft Auto? Probably not. Unless Rockstar lays an egg after 13 years.

Marvel's Wolverine (+1200)

Insomniac is back with the deadly Albertan. Weapon X is the best at what he does and so is the studio behind this game. Fans are eager to dismember henchman with adamantium claws so there are high expectations here.

Early released footage leans into the brutality of the side-burned mutant. Fans were critical of his suit becoming apart of the healing factor, but that just feels like another moment where the internet is just trying to be cheeky.

Comic fans will get to see Sabertooth, Mystique, and Jean Grey — who we will also see portrayed by Saidie Sink in the newest Spider-Man movie. Unfortunately, the game will be linear which hurts its chances at game of the year. This game is highly anticipated, however it is doubtful it will be as highly touted as the other contenders.

The Other Contenders

Here are all the other releases and their odds:

• Saros (+1600)
• Pragmata (+2000)
• Control Resonant (+2800)
• Fable (+4000)
• The Duskbloods (+4000)
• Phantom Blade Zero (+4000)
• Marathon (+4000)
• Onimusha (+5000)
• Slay the Spire (+6600)
• Cairn (+7500)

Thanks for Reading!

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