The annual Game Awards are coming up soon, and the Game of the Year will be awarded. When the event takes place, what prizes will be awarded, and where you can watch the stream, you can find out at MeinMMO.
When do the Game Awards take place? The Game Awards will take place on December 12, 2026, starting at 1:30 AM CET. The pre-show will begin with the first trailers and awards, until Geoff Keighley officially opens the main show at 2:00 AM CET.
Where can I watch the stream? You can watch the show for free on all platforms:
Many creators will also likely co-stream and comment on what they see, so you should find interesting content on various social media channels.
How long does the show last? Typically, it lasts around 3 hours plus a pre-show of about 30 minutes.
Can you watch it in person? Yes, in Los Angeles (USA) at the Peacock Theater. Tickets are available starting October 30 at AXS.
Last year Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won the award for Game of the Year:
All information on nominations, categories, and prizes of the Game Awards 2026
What prizes will be awarded? Firstly, of course, the award for Game of the Year 2026. In addition, there are several other categories in which games can be nominated and win.
All categories at a glance
Main Prize
- Game of the Year
Creative Craftsmanship
- Best Game Direction
- Best Narrative
- Best Art Direction
- Best Score and Music
- Best Audio Design
- Best Performance
- Innovation in Accessibility
- Games for Impact
Genres
- Best Action Game
- Best Action/Adventure Game
- Best RPG
- Best Fighting Game
- Best Family Game
- Best Sim/Strategy
- Best Sports/Racing Game
- Best Multiplayer Game
Platforms & Support
- Best Independent Game
- Best Debut Indie Game
- Best Mobile Game
- Best VR / AR Game
- Best Ongoing Game
- Best Community Support
Special Prizes
- Best Adaptation
- Most Anticipated Game
- Players’ Voice
- Content Creator of the Year
E-Sports
- Best Esports Game
- Best Esports Athlete
- Best Esports Team
- Best Esports Coach
Are there already nominated games? No, the nominees will be announced in mid-November. As soon as they are online, you will find them here.
When can we vote? Generally, directly after the nominated games and their corresponding categories have been announced. You can then check the official website to see who qualified for what, and also cast your votes for your favorite games.
How much does a vote count? The votes of the global community contribute 10% to the final result. The remaining 90% will be determined by an international jury of gaming media and industry experts.
The only exception is the category “Players’ Voice”: This purely public award is voted online just before the show in several knockout rounds and counts as 100% fan vote.
How long can we vote? Voting remains open for about three weeks and closes on Thursday, December 10 at 03:00 AM CET.
Who won last year? The award for GOTY was received by the role-playing game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 followed by additional awards in other categories. You can find all other winners in an overview on the official website.
For years, alongside moderator Geoff Keighley, another icon has been present, who has long secured a place in the hearts of many gamers. Since 2022, the Fluteguy has somehow become part of it. Will he be there again this year? Well, last year he was at least already named Santa Claus: Musician has been hosting the largest gaming show in the world for years, crowned ‘Santa Claus’ by fans in 2025
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