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Rockstar has cut it fine, but GTA 6 will be in the running at The Game Awards 2026.
The show’s rules say a game must be on sale by Friday, 20 November, at 9pm PT to qualify. GTA 6 launches on 19 November. That’s one day to spare. The Players’ Voice category is more relaxed, with games allowed to ship up to 30 November.
I wouldn’t lose sleep over it, though. A delay this late is hard to imagine, and not even the huge pile of leaks has shaken the release date.
What could GTA 6 win?
Going by last year’s categories, it could be up for Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Narrative, Best Action Game, Best Art Direction, Best Audio Design, Best Score/Music, Best Performance and Best Accessibility. New categories might appear too.
Unless the game turns out to be a disaster, I’d be shocked if it didn’t walk away with a handful of trophies.
Bad news for everyone else
2026 has been one of the better years for gaming. Resident Evil Requiem, Control Resonant, Big Walk, Forza Horizon 6, Mina the Hollower and Pokémon Pokopia all have a case for big awards. GTA 6 landing in the same race is a hammer blow to their chances.
Sorry, Pokopia. Nothing personal.
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