The Best Sports/Racing Game category at The Game Awards, often predictable, may see an upset this year as Forza Horizon 6 faces a significant challenge from Star Wars: Galactic Racer. This marks the first time in roughly a decade that the Forza franchise has not been the presumptive winner in this category.
Historically, the Sports/Racing category has been dominated by racing titles, with Forza series games securing five wins since 2015. Sports games like EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA), NBA 2K, and F1 series are frequent nominees, but rarely take home the award. Games focusing on sports with only regional appeal in the U.S., such as Madden or NHL, have never been nominated.
This year, the expected nominees include Forza Horizon 6, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, EA Sports FC 27, NBA 2K27, and Mario Tennis Fever. While Forza Horizon 6 holds a strong Metacritic score of 90 and the franchise's established track record, Star Wars: Galactic Racer presents a compelling alternative with its own Metascore of 88.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer is noted for its potential to disrupt the category through innovation. While Forza Horizon 6 offers iterative excellence, Galactic Racer is recognized for introducing a roguelike structure, buildcrafting elements, and novel multiplayer design. The Star Wars license also broadens its appeal, and its roots in arcade racing lineages like Burnout and Wipeout may resonate with jury members nostalgic for those titles. Critics are often drawn to games that push genre boundaries, a characteristic attributed to Galactic Racer.
Even if Star Wars: Galactic Racer does not secure the win, its strong showing as a contender highlights a more dynamic and creative landscape for racing games. This challenge to Forza's long-standing dominance suggests a healthy evolution within the genre.
