The episodic superhero narrative game Dispatch has been confirmed as eligible for The Game Awards in 2026, marking the second consecutive year it qualifies for the annual ceremony. Geoff Keighley, owner and host of The Game Awards, has verified the game's eligibility for the upcoming awards.
This eligibility comes despite all eight episodes of Dispatch's first season being released by November 12, 2025, which was before the November 21 eligibility cutoff for the 2025 awards. However, the timing meant that judges were unable to play the complete season before the nomination voting period, which typically occurs earlier in November.
AdHoc Studio noted that judges had only played half the season when Dispatch was nominated for Best Debut Indie Game at the 2025 awards. The developer did not provide early review copies of episodes, meaning jury members were experiencing the game alongside its initial release.
Dispatch has seen significant awards recognition following the conclusion of its first season. It secured a nomination for Best Debut Indie Game at The Game Awards 2025 and received further accolades later in the year. The game earned six nominations at the DICE Awards, including Game of the Year, three nominations at the Game Developers Choice Awards, and won three awards at the BAFTA Games Awards, also receiving a Best Game nomination there.
While Dispatch is now eligible for consideration at The Game Awards for a second time, navigating the jury's selection process may present a challenge. The jury is known to be selective, with early-access titles and expansion packs rarely receiving nominations in major categories. Games released late in the prior calendar year, after the eligibility deadline, also face an uphill battle for recognition.
The confirmation of Dispatch's eligibility for 2026 offers another opportunity for the well-reviewed 2025 title to be considered by The Game Awards jury.