Rockstar Games‘ Grand Theft Auto 6 is set to qualify for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2026, provided its planned November 19 release date remains unchanged. According to the event’s updated FAQ, games must be commercially available by November 20 at 9 p.m. PT to qualify. With GTA 6 scheduled to launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S a day earlier, Rockstar’s upcoming open-world game falls within the eligibility window.
The Game Awards 2026 ceremony will take place on December 10 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. However, qualifying for the awards does not guarantee a nomination. A jury of more than 100 media outlets and influencer organizations selects the nominees, making review access and the time available to play each release important factors.
Reports about GTA 6’s review arrangements have offered different possibilities. An earlier report suggested that reviewers might get access through a closed, in-person event, while insider NateTheHate recently claimed that review copies could be distributed before the end of October. Rockstar Games and publisher Take-Two Interactive have not officially confirmed these arrangements. If review copies arrive ahead of launch, jurors could have additional time to evaluate the game before voting closes.
Rockstar has also reportedly planned a digital-only launch to reduce the risk of early leaks. The company is separately facing claims from an alleged leaker who says they possess a full build of GTA 6, although those claims have not been independently verified.
The PC version is reportedly planned for the first quarter of 2027, meaning the initial console release will be the relevant version for the 2026 awards. Rockstar has not officially confirmed the reported PC launch window.
If GTA 6 launches on November 19 as scheduled, it will meet The Game Awards’ published release deadline. Whether it receives a Game of the Year nomination, however, will depend on the jury’s selections and the other games eligible for this year’s awards.
