In this story 3 min read
The shortlist is set. Players now have their say.
SAROS and Resident Evil Requiem are competing for Console Game of the Year among the Golden Joystick nominees, with public voting closing on Friday 23 October. The deadline is the immediate news: the candidates are already confirmed, and this is the remaining opportunity to support a favourite in the current round.
Golden Joystick nominees in full
- 007 First Light
- Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave
- Forza Horizon 6
- LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
- Nioh 3
- Onimusha: Way of the Sword
- Pokémon Pokopia
- PRAGMATA
- Resident Evil Requiem
- SAROS
This category sits within an opening ballot covering 21 publicly voted awards. For readers following the console contest, the distinction matters: these are nominations for a specific category, rather than the shortlist for the separate overall prize. There is plenty to discuss, but a nomination alone does not establish who will win.
How the awards work
The useful distinction is between reaching the ballot and winning the award. Those are separate stages, with different roles for the panel and the audience. Our advice is to keep your choice grounded in the experience you want to recognise. The game that stayed with you deserves consideration alongside the name attracting the loudest conversation.
Awards voting schedule
Opening round
The shortlist announcement and opening of public voting took place on 25 September 2026.
Ultimate award
Ultimate Game of the Year voting runs from 26 to 30 October 2026.
FAQ
Where is the official voting page?
Access the awards ballot through goldenjoysticks.com.
How do I register my votes?
The organiser instructs voters to enter their email address and press Register my Votes after completing their selections.
When is the awards ceremony?
The ceremony takes place on 11 November 2026 at Troxy in London.
The next step is simple: make your selection and complete the submission process. After the current round closes, attention moves to the later overall-award ballot and then the ceremony. For now, the meaningful contribution is the vote itself. Give it to the game you believe earned that recognition.
Written by Mohamed Essam Desoki Ebrahiem.
Mohamed Badr, specializing in digital marketing, social media management, Media Buying, and marketer at Games 2 Egypt. A gamer who loves exploring, especially drawn to open-world games. I write clearly about my experiences, appreciating what’s done well and offering fair criticism of what could be better.
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