What Is the PS5 Game of the Year for 2026? Push Square Poll Launched
We have officially reached the halfway point of 2026, and for those tracking the platform's release calendar, it is time to take stock of the last six months. Push Square has officially opened its mid-year poll to determine the community's favorite PlayStation 5 software, and with 50 titles on the ballot, the competition is shaping up to be fierce.
The first half of the year has been remarkably busy for PS5 owners. According to the site's editorial staff, the period between January and June has been packed with quality releases, ranging from a heavy influx of Capcom titles and third-party gems to a consistent stream of high-profile ports. While the industry is already looking ahead to a packed autumn release schedule—which the site suggests is already looking "beyond a joke" for the fall season—the current library of 2026 releases has already provided plenty of candidates for the top spot.
The 2026 Mid-Year Ballot
The poll, which has already collected hundreds of votes, allows users to select up to five games from a list of 50. The current contenders include a mix of new releases and high-profile remakes, such as:
- 007 First Light
- Crimson Desert
- Mina the Hollower
- Starfield
- Nioh 3
- Resident Evil Requiem
- Pragmata
- Arknights: Endfield
- LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
- Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties
Early reader sentiment in the comments section reflects a divided field. While some users are championing titles like Crimson Desert and Resident Evil Requiem, others have noted their personal top lists include Nioh 3, Saros, and Pragmata. One reader noted that while they found the year "underwhelming" so far, they are hopeful that the upcoming September lineup will provide a stronger finish to the year.
A Preview of the Final Vote
While this poll captures the sentiment for the first half of 2026, the editorial team at Push Square acknowledged that the final, year-end Game of the Year awards will be a much more intense "bloodbath" of competition. The only potential wildcard mentioned is the impending release of Grand Theft Auto 6, which the site suggests could potentially steamroll the competition regardless of the year's prior quality.
For those interested in participating, the poll remains open, and the results are expected to be published later this week. You can view the full list of 50 candidates and cast your vote on the official Push Square feature page.