Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsVoting is open for the 44th Golden Joystick Awards, with a public ballot spanning 21 categories. Cast a vote through the GamesRadar+ voting page by October 23, 2026. The separate Ultimate Game of the Year vote is scheduled for October 26–30, and the ceremony is set for November 11 in London.
How to vote in the Golden Joystick Awards 2026
- Open the GamesRadar+ Golden Joystick Awards voting page.
- Choose nominees in the public-vote categories shown on the live ballot and submit your selections using the form’s instructions.
- Complete your initial ballot by October 23, 2026. Check the live form for account or email requirements and confirmation that your votes were submitted; those mechanics are not specified in the published schedule.
GamesRadar+ says registered voters may claim a selected ebook. Check the voting page for the offer and its claim terms before relying on it.
Golden Joystick Awards 2026 voting and ceremony dates
| Milestone | Date | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Nominations opened | August 6, 2026 | Start of the nomination period listed by GamesRadar+. |
| Nominations closed | August 28, 2026 | End of that nomination period. |
| Shortlist announced and public voting opened | September 25, 2026 | Opening of the 21-category public ballot. |
| Initial public ballot closes | October 23, 2026 | Deadline for the initial category votes. Digital Citizen reports a closing time of 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET / midnight BST; consult the live ballot for the applicable deadline. |
| Ultimate Game of the Year vote | October 26–30, 2026 | A later, separate vote—not part of the initial 21-category ballot. |
| Awards ceremony | November 11, 2026 | Scheduled in-person ceremony at Troxy in London. |
GamesRadar+ is the source for the published schedule; dates and ballot details can change, so verify the live page before voting.
What the 21 public-vote categories cover
The ballot spans craft, game types, people, platforms, hardware and upcoming releases. The categories are:
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- 【Playful Recognition Design】Featuring a humorous thumbs-up design, this award trophy adds a fun and lighthearted touch to any competition or achievement. Its eye-catching golden color symbolizes victory and success, making recipients feel special and appreciated.
- 【Durable Material Construction】Crafted from premium-quality plastic material, this golden thumbs up trophy ensures long-lasting durability and sturdiness. The waterproof properties make it suitable for various environments, while the smooth gold plated finish maintains its elegant appearance.
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- 【Practical Size Features】Measuring 5.12 inches in height (13 cm), with a width of 2.17 inches (5.5 cm), this 8 PCS compact trophy set is lightweight and easy to handle. The convenient size allows for effortless storage and transportation without occupying excessive space, making it ideal for bulk use during award ceremonies, team events, or multiple recipient situations.
- 【Complete Package Contents】The package includes 8 individually wrapped golden thumbs up trophies. Each trophy undergoes quality control to ensure proper construction between the plastic base and gold finish.
- Craft: Best Storytelling, Best Visual Design, Best Audio Design and Best Soundtrack.
- Game types and lifecycle: Best Multiplayer Game, Best Indie Game, Best Indie Game – Self Published, Best Remake / Remaster, Best Game Expansion, Best Early Access Game, Still Playing Award – PC and Console, and Still Playing Award – Mobile.
- People and studios: Best Lead Performer, Best Supporting Performer and Studio of the Year.
- Platforms, hardware and adaptation: PC Game of the Year, Console Game of the Year, Best Gaming Hardware and Best Game Adaptation.
- Trailers and upcoming releases: Best Game Trailer and Most Wanted Game.
Most Wanted concerns games due after November 11, 2026, while the PC and Console Game of the Year categories recognize released games. For most core voting categories, GamesRadar+ describes an eligibility window of November 1, 2025 through September 25, 2026, with possible exceptions for games released early in that window if judges had already extensively played or tested them. Older ongoing games may qualify for Still Playing or Best Game Expansion. The published page gives separate eligibility windows for Ultimate Game of the Year and jury-selected categories; check its live rules for a specific nominee.
How the shortlist is selected—and what voters do not decide
The public ballot is not an open nomination process or a vote on every award. GamesRadar+ says organizers invite industry nominations, then a judging panel makes the final shortlist with reference to those submissions. The panel includes editors and contributors from sister brands such as PC Gamer, Future Games Show, Edge, Retro Gamer and GamesRadar, along with industry experts.
Rank #2
- 【Playful Recognition Design】Featuring a humorous thumbs-up design, this award trophy adds a fun and lighthearted touch to any competition or achievement. Its eye-catching golden color symbolizes victory and success, making recipients feel special and appreciated.
- 【Durable Material Construction】Crafted from premium-quality plastic material, this golden thumbs up trophy ensures long-lasting durability and sturdiness. The waterproof properties make it suitable for various environments, while the smooth gold plated finish maintains its elegant appearance.
- 【Practical Size Features】Measuring 5.12 inches in height (13 cm), with a width of 2.17 inches (5.5 cm), this 4 PCS compact trophy set is lightweight and easy to handle. The convenient size allows for effortless storage and transportation without occupying excessive space, making it ideal for bulk use during award ceremonies, team events, or multiple recipient situations.
- 【Versatile Application Scenarios】This plastic trophy serves multiple purposes across different settings including sports competitions, tournaments, corporate employee recognition programs, and office achievements. It also functions excellently as party favors for music-themed birthdays, talent shows, or singing competitions.
- 【Complete Package Contents】The package includes 4 individually wrapped golden thumbs up trophies. Each trophy undergoes quality control to ensure proper construction between the plastic base and gold finish.
Streamers’ Choice, Breakthrough and Critics’ Choice are described as jury-selected awards, rather than categories on the 21-item public ballot. Ultimate Game of the Year is different again: it has a later public vote scheduled for October 26–30.
Examples from the 2026 shortlist
GamesRadar+ reports that Big Walk and 007: First Light lead the shortlist with five nominations each; Resident Evil: Requiem is among the other prominent nominees. These are nomination counts, not a ranking of likely winners.
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Rank #3
- 【Durable Material Construction】Crafted from premium-quality plastic material, this golden thumbs up trophy ensures long-lasting durability and sturdiness. The waterproof properties make it suitable for various environments, while the smooth gold plated finish maintains its elegant appearance.
- 【Playful Recognition Design】Featuring a humorous thumbs-up design, this award trophy adds a fun and lighthearted touch to any competition or achievement. Its eye-catching golden color symbolizes victory and success, making recipients feel special and appreciated.
- 【Versatile Application Scenarios】This plastic trophy serves multiple purposes across different settings including sports competitions, tournaments, corporate employee recognition programs, and office achievements. It also functions excellently as party favors for music-themed birthdays, talent shows, or singing competitions.
- 【Practical Size Features】Measuring 5.12 inches in height (13 cm), with a width of 2.17 inches (5.5 cm), this compact trophy is lightweight and easy to handle. The convenient size allows for effortless storage and transportation without occupying excessive space, making it ideal for bulk use during award ceremonies, team events, or multiple recipient situations.
- 【Complete Package Contents】The package includes individually wrapped golden thumbs up trophies. Each trophy undergoes quality control to ensure proper construction between the plastic base and gold finish.
The Best Gaming Hardware nominees listed are Logitech G PRO X2 SUPERSTRIKE, Razer Viper V4 Pro, Secretlab ATLAS, Sony INZONE M10S II, Steam Controller and Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II. Their appearance on the ballot indicates nomination only, not an endorsement or a performance assessment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.About the ceremony
The 44th annual Golden Joystick Awards ceremony is scheduled for November 11, 2026, at Troxy in London, as an in-person event. GamesRadar+ points readers to Future Events for tickets and tables, but availability and terms should be confirmed with the event provider.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- 【Durable Material Construction】Crafted from premium-quality plastic material, this golden thumbs up trophy ensures long-lasting durability and sturdiness. The waterproof properties make it suitable for various environments, while the smooth gold plated finish maintains its elegant appearance.
- 【Playful Recognition Design】Featuring a humorous thumbs-up design, this award trophy adds a fun and lighthearted touch to any competition or achievement. Its eye-catching golden color symbolizes victory and success, making recipients feel special and appreciated.
- 【Practical Size Features】This compact trophy is lightweight and easy to handle. The convenient size allows for effortless storage and transportation without occupying excessive space, making it ideal for bulk use during award ceremonies, team events, or multiple recipient situations.
- 【Versatile Application Scenarios】This plastic trophy serves multiple purposes across different settings including sports competitions, tournaments, corporate employee recognition programs, and office achievements. It also functions excellently as party favors for music-themed birthdays, talent shows, or singing competitions.
- 【Complete Package Contents】The package includes individually wrapped golden thumbs up trophies. Each trophy undergoes quality control to ensure proper construction between the plastic base and gold finish.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
