As the end of 2026 approaches, the landscape for Game of the Year nominations appears to be a competitive battleground, not for groundbreaking masterpieces, but for a strong cohort of consistently excellent titles. This year has produced a significant number of games that, while not reaching the heights of modern classics, have delivered solid, satisfying experiences, earning them a place in what is being dubbed the '85 Club' due to their average Metacritic scores hovering around that mark.
Unlike previous years that might have seen a clear frontrunner or two, 2026 has seen a broad spectrum of games achieve critical praise without necessarily breaking into the highest echelons. At present, only three new games have achieved a Metacritic score above 90. However, a substantial number of titles are clustered between 83 and 87, presenting a unique challenge for awards consideration.
Notable contenders within this '85 Club' include 007 First Light, Gears of War: E-Day, Star Wars: Zero Company, Pragmata, Saros, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Nioh 3, Control Resonant, and The Blood of Dawnwalker. These games generally feature strong storytelling and production values, with most falling into the action, action-adventure, or light RPG genres. While this represents a high level of quality and entertainment, it also means that many deserving titles may be overlooked for the coveted Game of the Year nominations.
From an awards perspective, the sheer number of strong contenders makes predicting the final nominations difficult. With presumed automatic nominations for titles like Grand Theft Auto 6 and the The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, along with established critical darlings such as Resident Evil Requiem and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, only a few slots remain. The potential for an indie standout like Big Walk to secure a nomination further tightens the field.
The remaining open spots are likely to be fiercely contested. Games like The Blood of Dawnwalker and Control Resonant, despite strong critical reception, may face an uphill battle with Metascores of 83. Conversely, 007 First Light boasts a higher score of 87, but licensed games released earlier in the year often struggle to maintain critical relevance by year's end. Pragmata is also considered a potential dark horse candidate.
Further complicating matters are potential wildcards. While Crimson Desert's momentum may be fading and Saros might be too niche, other titles like Pokémon Pokopia could gain traction due to critical affection. The upcoming release of Phantom Blade Zero also poses a significant threat, potentially entering the '85 Club' itself or even surpassing it.
Ultimately, a significant number of these well-received games are likely to miss out on nominations. This situation echoes past instances, such as Obsidian's Fallout: New Vegas, which, despite a slightly lower Metascore, has become a beloved entry in the series. The enduring legacy of games is not solely defined by awards or review scores, and the '85 Club' titles of 2026 may well find their place in players' hearts regardless of their award season success.
