The Golden Joystick Awards 2026 delivered a thrilling night for gamers worldwide, and Resident Evil Requiem emerged as the ultimate victor, securing the prestigious Ultimate Game of the Year accolade. In a year teeming with standout releases, this latest installment in the Resident Evil franchise showcased unparalleled creativity and immersive storytelling, winning the hearts of gamers and critics alike.

The competition for this year’s award was notoriously fierce. Resident Evil Requiem triumphed over an impressive lineup of nominees that included blockbuster titles like Crimson Desert, Phantom Blade Zero, and 007: First Light. The list also featured unexpected hits such as Control Resonant and Pragmata, alongside latecomers like Star Wars: Galactic Racer and The Blood of Dawnwalker. Adding more fuel to the race were contenders like Big Walk, Dispatch, Forza Horizon 6, and Pokemon Pokopia. Amidst this stellar assembly, Resident Evil Requiem stood out, solidifying its place at the top of gaming culture.

The accolades didn’t stop there for Resident Evil Requiem. The game also took home four additional awards, underscoring its broad appeal and critical acclaim. The game was honored with the Best Game Trailer award for its chilling ‘Evil Always Has a Name’ promo, while Angela Sant’Albano’s captivating performance as Grace Ashcroft earned her the Best Lead Performer award. Requiem’s innovation and impact on console gamers were further recognized with the Console Game of the Year award.

Despite its massive success, Resident Evil Requiem faced a formidable challenge from a completely different genre. Meccha Chameleon, a dynamic hide-and-seek sensation, matched Requiem’s four awards by winning two player-voted and two jury-voted accolades. Nevertheless, Resident Evil Requiem clinched the ultimate recognition with its additional Studio of the Year award for Capcom. This shared award, with co-winners Pragmata and Onimusha: Way of the Sword, symbolically edges Requiem slightly ahead in total victories.

Since its release in February, Resident Evil Requiem has been a pivotal contender in Game of the Year discussions. While the upcoming launch of GTA 6 may present challenges for a clean sweep across the industry’s top five awards, Requiem has already demonstrated its lasting impact, free from the usual recency bias that can influence award outcomes.

Resident Evil Requiem’s innovative approach pays homage to the series’ illustrious history, creating a unique blend of terror and wonder that resonates deeply with its audience. As the dust settles on the Golden Joystick Awards, the question remains: what can this illustrious game achieve next?

For all the latest developments from the dynamic world of gaming and nerd culture, stay tuned to BlueBoxNERD, where we bring you the stories that matter.

Join the Nerd Squad 🛸

Trailers the day they drop. Breakdowns before the internet catches up. Reviews without the fluff. Straight to your inbox.

Subscribe FreeRead Originals