Gamescom 2026 Reveals Award Nominations Across 12 Categories Before the Show
Gamescom 2026 kicks off tomorrow, bringing five days of video game announcements, demos, and live events—headlined by the gamescom award ceremony. Ahead of the first day of the show, the event has now revealed nominations in 12 of the award’s 19 categories, with the remaining seven only tied to what happens on-site during the fair.
How the gamescom award nominations work this year
The gamescom award is spread across 19 categories in total. At this stage, nominees are only known for 12 categories. The other seven are linked directly to activities taking place during gamescom itself, meaning no nominations can be finalized for them before the show begins.
Metro: 2039 leads the nominee list
With five nominations, Metro: 2039 is currently the biggest frontrunner for gamescom award 2026. It’s closely followed by Alien: Isolation 2 and Denshattack!, which are each up for four awards.
Polish spotlight: Rebel Wolves’ The Blood of Dawnwalker nominated
The nominations also include a Polish title. The Blood of Dawnwalker, from Rebel Wolves, is set to debut in just 10 days and is competing for two gamescom award trophies.
All nominations revealed so far (12 categories)
Best Visual Effects
- Alien: Isolation 2
- Deperson
- Forza Horizon 6
- Inkblood
- Metro: 2039
Best Audio
- Alien: Isolation 2
- Cairn
- Denshattack!
- Forza Horizon 6
- There are No Ghosts at the Grand
Best Gameplay
- Alien: Isolation 2
- Cairn
- Denshattack!
- Onimusha: Way of the Sword
- The Blood of Dawnwalker
Most Entertaining Game
- Bad Magpie
- Denshattack!
- Escape From Duckov
- There are No Ghosts at the Grand
- Wanderburg
Most Epic Game
- Crimson Desert
- Metro: 2039
- Stranger Than Heaven
- Tides of Annihilation
- Total War: Warhammer 40,000
Wholesome Game
- Age Twisters
- Book Nook
- Finding Polka
- Garden Ink
- OPUS: Prism Peak
Most Impact
- Fishbowl
- Media Circus
- OPUS: Prism Peak
- SOKO 1977: Anti-Terror Task Force
- The Regreening
Best Game on Xbox
- Forza Horizon 6
- Gears of War: E-Day
- Halo: Campaign Evolved
- Metro: 2039
- Stranger Than Heaven
Best Game on PC
- Alien: Isolation 2
- Crimson Desert
- Guns of Eschaton
- Metro: 2039
- Total War: Warhammer 40,000
Best Game on PlayStation
- Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen
- Metro 2039
- Onimusha: Way of the Sword
- The Blood of Dawnwalker
- Tides of Annihilation
Best Game on Nintendo Switch 2
- Denshattack!
- Mega Man: Dual Override
- Nintendo Switch Sport Resort
- OPUS: Prism Peak
- Rayman Legends Retold
Best Mobile Game
- Arknights: Endfield
- Genshin Impact
- Silver Palace
- Where Winds Meet
- Zenless Zone Zero
30 featured games and live coverage plans
Gamescom 2026 will feature presentations for 30 games, including 7 major world premieres. For viewing options, the main live stream in German will be available on Twitch. For English-language coverage, a separate livestream with commentary will be hosted by Michał Mańka on the FYNG channel.
Visit FYNG in Hall 7
Attendees can also meet the FYNG team in person at gamescom. The event’s on-site presence is planned in Hall 7, with a large stage and 1,600 square meters of event space filled with attractions.
