It's almost time for awards season, folks! Before we get there, the final nominations for Ultimate Game of the Year have been announced for the Golden Joystick Awards 2026, and Xbox is officially up for the Game of the Year trophy.

Xbox's inclusion is due to the release of Forza Horizon 6 back in May, although there's no place for the likes of Halo: Campaign Evolved and Gears of War: E-Day - the latter was technically eligible, but still didn't make it.

"Games released between 8th November, 2025 and 25th October 2026 will be considered for Ultimate Game of the Year."

Here's the full list of 12 nominees for Ultimate Game of the Year:

  1. 007 First Light
  2. Big Walk
  3. Control Resonant
  4. Crimson Desert
  5. Dispatch
  6. Forza Horizon 6
  7. Phantom Blade Zero
  8. Pokémon Pokopia
  9. Pragmata
  10. Resident Evil Requiem
  11. Star Wars: Galactic Racer
  12. The Blood of Dawnwalker

If you fancy sticking up for Forza Horizon 6 or voting for any of the other games here, you can head to the official Golden Joystick Awards website and submit your entry. Voting closes October 30th, so you'll need to be quick!

The winner will then be announced in a livestreamed show from London on November 11th, along with the winners for all the other 20 categories that were voted on earlier this year. We'll be sure to let you know who won next month!

So, what's your pick here? Do you agree with the nominees? Tell us in the comments section below.