What happened
According to Polygon, Grand Theft Auto 6 will not be eligible for the Golden Joystick Awards due to its release date of November 19, which falls after the awards ceremony on November 11. As a result, GTA 6 will not be able to achieve a Big Five sweep of game of the year awards in a single year, a feat that has only been accomplished twice before by Baldur's Gate 3 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
Why it matters for GTA 6 players
The eligibility of GTA 6 for various awards ceremonies has significant implications for the game's reputation and commercial success. A Big Five sweep would be a notable achievement, and while GTA 6 may still win several awards, its ineligibility for the Golden Joystick Awards means it will not be able to accomplish this feat in a single year.
What is confirmed
GTA 6's release date is November 19, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and it will not be eligible for the Golden Joystick Awards. The game is still expected to be a strong contender for Game of the Year at other awards ceremonies, including The Game Awards in December.
What remains unclear
The outcome of the Golden Joystick Awards and other awards ceremonies, as well as the overall performance of GTA 6 in terms of sales and critical reception. The article also notes that the Golden Joystick Awards are not a strong predictor of success at The Game Awards, adding uncertainty to the situation.
Source and attribution
Related GTA 6 coverage
Publication note: This source-based report was prepared and published automatically. It has not been reviewed by a human editor. Automated checks do not establish the authenticity of unconfirmed claims.
