GTA 6's Game of the Year Dreams Could Be Derailed by This One Date

GTA 6 might miss The Game Awards eligibility window this year, according to Alanah Pearce. We break down why timing could kill its GOTY chances and what Rockstar could do.

Could GTA 6 actually miss out on Game of the Year at The Game Awards this year? That's the hot topic right now, and it's all because of a pesky little thing called a release date.

Actress, games writer, and former games journalist Alanah Pearce recently shared her thoughts on a live stream, and she's not optimistic about GTA 6's chances of sweeping at The Game Awards. Why? Because the cutoff date for games to be eligible for TGA nominations has historically fallen around the same time as GTA 6's release date this year. That means the game might not even be eligible for this year's show.

Of course, some have pushed back on her take, pointing out that last year's cutoff was November 21, which is two days after GTA 6 will release this year. So technically, it could sneak in. But even if it does, there are still some major questions. Would anyone on the jury even be able to finish GTA 6 before voting on nominees? And if not, would they be willing to vote on it without finishing it? That would raise a lot of ethical concerns over the voting process.

So, what could save Rockstar's chances? Well, Geoff Keighley, the man behind The Game Awards, could simply push the voting deadlines back. It's not impossible—Keighley loves a good show, and GTA 6 sweeping would bring a ton of eyes to the event. Another possibility is that Rockstar could give jury members a significant headstart to play the game before the cutoff date. As of right now, we don't know what Rockstar's plans are for reviewers, but such a strategy would certainly make it easier to secure a nomination.

It's a lot of ifs, though. We can only speculate at this point. But if GTA 6 isn't eligible this year for whatever reason, it could try again in 2027... and it might still have a chance. Rockstar Games is heavily rumored to launch GTA 6's online mode next year, which will undoubtedly give the game a massive second wind. If that's enough to contend with other heavy hitters, like Naughty Dog's Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, Rockstar could be right back in the awards race in 2027.

So, what do you think? Will GTA 6 get its shot at Game of the Year this year, or will timing get in the way? Let us know in the comments!