We’re halfway through 2026: Here are our contenders for Game of the Year so far

As June draws to a close, we stand on the brink of closing the first half of an exhilarating year in gaming.

The past months have delivered blockbuster releases, and unlike the indie‑dominated landscape of 2025, the majority of these titles hail from well‑established studios.

The industry is rebounding, with major studios crafting enduring blockbusters, while a healthy contingent of indie projects also shine.

Consequently, we already have a solid shortlist of Game of the Year candidates heading into the December Game Awards, and most of them are already crystal clear.

Let’s spotlight an undeniable Game of the Year contender: Pearl Abyss’s blockbuster, which earned me an 8.5 rating, sold more than six million copies worldwide, and captured global attention—initially met with skepticism but ultimately embraced as players uncovered its depth.

Resident Evil Requiem has emerged as a monumental title, its sheer scale and ambition propelling it into the upper echelons of gaming history and firmly securing a place among the most coveted Game‑of‑The‑Year contenders.

Capcom’s latest masterpiece stands unrivaled in the studio’s catalog, earning a flawless 9.5 from our critic Scott Duwe. He lauded every facet of the experience, from the adrenaline‑charged action sequences featuring Leon to the haunting, survival‑horror moments that echo the franchise’s darker roots through Grace’s harrowing scenes.

Analysis: By blending high-octane gameplay with classic survival horror, Requiem not only satisfies long‑time fans but also expands the genre’s appeal, positioning Capcom as a dominant force in the current console market.

The visual fidelity, intricate narrative, and seamless integration of legacy elements culminate in a finale that astonishes, showcasing how a single developer can consistently deliver blockbuster titles without compromising quality.

In the same vein, Capcom’s lesser‑known companion title, Pragmata, arrived shortly after Requiem’s launch. Though it didn’t achieve the same commercial success, its emotionally resonant story and innovative combat mechanics earned it a solid 9/10 from me, proving that even secondary releases can leave a lasting impact.

Capcom’s latest release has sparked a flurry of debate, chiefly because of its contentious child protagonist, Diana. In an era where narrative complexity is the norm, the scrutiny surrounding her character is bound to influence the award panel’s deliberations. Whether Capcom can secure dual Game of the Year nods for two distinct titles remains an open question, but the heightened attention could prove decisive.

When 007 First Light hit the market, I was initially oblivious to its existence, a testament to the fatigue many feel toward Western titles that often lean on clichéd storytelling. I had anticipated a juvenile, flat narrative about a young Bond—nothing more than a bland, millennial cliché. Instead, the game delivered a surprisingly mature and engaging experience.

IOI captured the essence of Bond, fusing the classic swagger of earlier incarnations with the nuanced emotional depth that Daniel Craig brought to the franchise. The result is a near‑perfect blend that honors both the player and the iconic IP, positioning 007 First Light as a strong contender for Game of the Year.

Shifting gears to indie titles, the past six months have yielded several standout releases, including Mina the Hollower from the creators of Shovel Knight. This pixel‑art adventure draws heavily from retro gaming aesthetics while incorporating modern gameplay refinements, striking a balance that appeals to both nostalgic fans and contemporary audiences.

Although I haven’t had the chance to play it yet, the torrent of praise surrounding this title indicates it is on track to claim a spot in the Independent Game of the Year category before the year’s end.

The studio behind Shovel Knight wasn’t the only one making waves this year; the creators of The Binding of Isaac launched a fresh title, Mewgenics, which ignited significant buzz early in 2026. The game now enjoys almost 50,000 reviews on Steam, with the overwhelming majority rating it positively.

Bhernardo Viana awarded the game a 9, praising its diverse gameplay and seemingly endless layers of skill and content while noting that its chaotic nature can become overwhelming. To him, it exemplifies excellence on multiple fronts, and I suspect the TGA jury will echo his assessment.

Before concluding with another indie triumph, I must pay tribute to the remarkable Forza Horizon 6, arguably one of the finest racing experiences I’ve encountered recently. Its photorealistic visuals, robust performance, and consistently satisfying gameplay deliver an unforgettable thrill, and I can’t recall the last time a racing title made me laugh as hard as this one.