As 2026 progresses, the race for Game of the Year (GOTY) is heating up, though a clear frontrunner has yet to solidify. A recent poll of readers indicates that Resident Evil Requiem and Crimson Desert are currently the leading titles, with significant portions of the vote.
Resident Evil Requiem secured the top spot in the poll, claiming 16% of reader endorsements for their GOTY. Not far behind, Crimson Desert garnered 12% of the vote. Despite a potentially divisive launch, Crimson Desert has seen substantial post-release support from developer Pearl Abyss, transforming the game and earning praise from players who have invested hundreds of hours.
Other titles also garnered significant attention. 007 First Light received 9% of the votes, a notable figure given its recent release at the time of the poll. Slay the Spire 2 and Forza Horizon 6 followed with 8% and 7% respectively, while Pragmata and Mewgenics secured 7% and 5% of the vote, respectively.
At the lower end of the poll, World of Warcraft: Midnight, an MMO expansion, and Bungie's new shooter Marathon tied with 3% of the vote each. The performance of Marathon was somewhat unexpected, particularly as a reviewer from PC Gamer scored it a high 90% in their assessment, suggesting player reception may differ from critical reception.
Notably, 29% of poll respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the provided options, indicating that either their current GOTY choice was not listed, or they are awaiting further releases in the latter half of the year to make their decision. The ongoing nature of game releases means the GOTY landscape could still shift significantly before the year concludes.
Readers are encouraged to share their own GOTY contenders and opinions on the current standings.