The New York Videogame Critics Circle has announced the contenders for its 2026 awards. Following its remarkable success at The Game Awards, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has once again secured a coveted nomination, this time for Game of the Year. The upcoming event will honor a wide range of gaming accomplishments across numerous categories, highlighting the industry's most outstanding works. Among the notable nominees are Hades 2 and Ghost of Yōtei, which have garnered the highest number of nominations, reflecting their significant impact and critical acclaim. The ceremony, a beacon for celebrating gaming innovation and artistry, is set to take place in January.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Leads the Nominations
Building on its recent triumphs, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 continues to receive accolades, securing a prominent nomination for Game of the Year at the New York Game Awards. This recognition underscores its significant impact and critical reception within the gaming community, positioning it as a frontrunner among a competitive field of titles. Its success at The Game Awards set a high bar, and this latest nomination further solidifies its status as one of the year's most celebrated games. The title also earned nods for Best Acting and Best Music, indicating a comprehensive appreciation for its artistic and technical merits.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a breakout sensation, has once again been thrust into the spotlight with its nomination for the prestigious Game of the Year award at the upcoming New York Game Awards. This comes on the heels of an impressive showing at The Game Awards, where it accumulated an unprecedented number of wins. The New York Videogame Critics Circle has recognized the game's excellence, placing it alongside other strong contenders such as Blue Prince, Hades 2, and Ghost of Yōtei. Beyond the top honor, Clair Obscur also received nominations for Best Acting, specifically acknowledging Jennifer English's performance, and Best Music, highlighting its immersive audio landscape. These nominations collectively underscore the game's multifaceted appeal and its significant contribution to the gaming industry in the past year, making it a key title to watch as the awards ceremony approaches.
A Diverse Field of Contenders Across Multiple Categories
The 2026 New York Game Awards showcase a rich tapestry of gaming talent, with Hades 2 and Ghost of Yōtei leading the nominations count. These titles, alongside a broad spectrum of other games, are vying for honors in various categories, including Best Mobile Game, Best Kids Game, Best Remake, and Best Indie Game. The awards also celebrate achievements in storytelling and world-building, with categories like Best Writing and Best World, ensuring a comprehensive recognition of the industry's diverse accomplishments. This extensive list of nominees highlights the vibrant and innovative landscape of contemporary gaming.
The New York Game Awards for 2026 are poised to be a grand celebration of gaming innovation, featuring an expansive roster of nominees across a multitude of categories. While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 contends for Game of the Year, titles like Hades 2 and Ghost of Yōtei have garnered the highest number of overall nominations, including recognition for Best Writing, Best Acting, Best Music, and Best World. The awards extend beyond the marquee categories to spotlight excellence in niche areas, such as the A-Train Award for Best Mobile Game, the Central Park Children’s Zoo Award for Best Kids Game, and the High Line Award for Best Remake. Independent creators are acknowledged through the Off Broadway Award for Best Indie Game, while the Herman Melville Award honors exceptional writing, and the Statue of Liberty Award celebrates outstanding game worlds. Additionally, the Excelsior Award highlights games with a strong New York connection, and the Coney Island Dreamland Award recognizes achievements in AR/VR gaming. The Great White Way Award and Tin Pan Alley Award pay tribute to superior acting and music, respectively. The Chumley’s Speakeasy Award identifies hidden gems, and the NYC GWB Award salutes the best DLC. The diverse selection ensures that a wide array of creative and technical achievements within the gaming industry are celebrated, culminating in a highly anticipated event to be streamed live from the SVA Theatre in Manhattan.
