The Game Awards will reveal its 2026 nominees during a live special next week, just two days before Rockstar Games launches Grand Theft Auto 6. Host and executive producer Geoff Keighley will present the games, studios, and creative talent nominated for this year’s honors during the broadcast on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 12 p.m. ET. The nomination special will air on YouTube and Twitch.
Grand Theft Auto 6 and Nominee Balance
Grand Theft Auto 6 is widely considered the top contender for Game of the Year. However, Keighley noted that he cannot yet predict how much the title will dominate the ceremony. He emphasized the need to balance the show while acknowledging the massive cultural impact of the upcoming release.
“Every year is different at the show,” Keighley said. “We obviously don’t know until next week exactly what the nominations are and how many times they’ll be nominated. But yes, our hope is certainly that GTA 6 will be represented in the show.”
The nominations are selected by a global jury of media publications and creator outlets. Fans can visit TheGameAwards.com to view the full list and cast their votes after the reveal. The 2026 Game Awards will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Dec. 10.
New Streaming Partners Include PS5 and Roblox
The 2026 Game Awards will stream on more platforms than ever before. Variety has confirmed that Live TV on PS5 will join the broadcast lineup for the first time. The ceremony will also be available on Disney+ and Roblox, marking the first time an external awards show has been livestreamed on the gaming platform.
Keighley described these new partners as additive to the existing distribution strategy. He stated that the show has no plans to license the broadcast exclusively to one streamer or remove it from free platforms like YouTube. The goal remains to bring the show to gamers on all screens where they consume content.
Roblox users aged 18 and older will be able to watch the show together in The Block, the platform’s premiere virtual event venue. Participants can vote, interact, and claim virtual merchandise during the broadcast. The ceremony will also remain available on Steam, TikTok Live, X, Kick, Facebook, and Instagram Live in the U.S. and international territories.
International streaming partners include more than 20 platforms in China, such as Bilibili and Douyin. Other regional partners include CHZZK and SOOP in South Korea, NicoNico in Japan, and Vidio in Indonesia. The broadcast aims to reach audiences across Southeast Asia through BIGO LIVE and Likee.
Executive produced by Keighley and Kimmie Kim, the 2026 Game Awards are directed by Richard Preuss. LeRoy Bennett serves as creative director, and Lara Karchmer is co-executive producer. The event will continue its tradition of mixing industry awards with world premiere game announcements and live musical performances.
Source: Variety
