GTA VI Unrivaled: Polygon Names the Main Problem with the "Game of the Year" Award

GTA VI could be a major contender for Game of the Year, as 2026 is already being called one of the weakest years for the "Game of the Year" race in recent memory.

Last year saw the release of many highly-rated games, and Metacritic featured numerous projects with an average score above 90. In 2026, there are also plenty of strong releases, but according to a Polygon editor, few of them are truly flawless.

Currently, critics have given 90+ scores to seven games, although DOOM: The Dark Ages: Revelations is an expansion, and Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition is a port. Players have only three such games. Many projects received scores from 8.5 to 8.9, but they have noticeable flaws.

Meanwhile, Crimson Desert was received significantly better by users than by critics, and Pokémon Pokopia represents the simulation genre, which is not very popular among journalists. Big Walk and Mina the Hollower, despite their success, remain little-known to a wide audience.

According to the Polygon author, the only undisputed candidate right now appears to be Resident Evil Requiem. Future releases, including Marvel's Wolverine and Silent Hill: Townfall, could change the situation.

GTA VI will likely not make it into The Game Awards nominations. If the game is included, the competition will become even weaker.