GTA 6 Ineligible for Golden Joystick Awards

Grand Theft Auto 6 will not be eligible for the Golden Joystick Awards, as its November 19 release falls after the ceremony on November 11. Voting for the awards runs until the end of October, with Ultimate Game of the Year voting open from October 26 to October 30.

The Golden Joysticks are one of the "Big Five" game of the year awards, alongside The Game Awards, the DICE Awards, the GDC Awards, and the BAFTA Game Awards. A sweep of all five is a rare achievement: Baldur's Gate 3 did it in 2023, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 matched the feat last year.

Historically, late-year releases have sometimes struggled at the Golden Joysticks. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim won the Golden Joystick GOTY in 2012 following its 2011 release, but BAFTA gave its top prize to Portal 2 instead. Grand Theft Auto 5 won GOTY at the Golden Joysticks and VGX in 2013, while Red Dead Redemption 2 lost major 2018 awards to God of War and Fortnite.

Despite missing the Golden Joysticks, GTA 6 remains eligible for the other four Big Five awards, provided it meets their respective eligibility periods. The game's November 19 launch positions it for consideration at those ceremonies.

Meanwhile, 007 First Light and Big Walk lead the Golden Joystick nominations with five each. Polygon reported the eligibility details.