Crimson Desert has officially won PC Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards 2026, marking another major achievement for Pearl Abyss and its ambitious open world action RPG. The award recognizes one of the year's most technically impressive PC releases, while Capcom's Resident Evil Requiem secured Ultimate Game of the Year during the November 11 ceremony in London.
Developed using Pearl Abyss' proprietary BlackSpace Engine, Crimson Desert has attracted attention for its expansive open world, advanced physics, detailed environments, and dynamic combat systems. Since its March 19 launch, the game has undergone significant improvements through frequent updates, culminating in Crimson Desert Enhanced and the recently released Charting the Unknown expansion, which introduced naval exploration, additional storylines, and expanded gameplay systems.
The recognition also highlights Pearl Abyss' commitment to improving the experience after launch. The studio has consistently addressed technical issues, refined gameplay mechanics, and expanded available content, transforming Crimson Desert into a more complete experience. Its continued development demonstrates how substantial updates and long term support can strengthen a major single player release.
Meanwhile, Capcom dominated the ceremony with 7 awards, including 4 associated with Resident Evil Requiem. The survival horror title claimed Ultimate Game of the Year with 17% of the public vote, narrowly defeating Phantom Blade Zero at 16% and Crimson Desert at 15%. Capcom also received Studio of the Year, while Onimusha: Way of the Sword and Pragmata earned additional recognition.
Golden Joystick Awards 2026: Full Winners List
The 44th Golden Joystick Awards celebrated achievements across PC and console gaming, independent development, storytelling, technology, and performances. According to the official awards results, the winners were:
Best Storytelling: Dispatch
Best Audio Design: Onimusha: Way of the Sword
Best Multiplayer Game: MECCHA CHAMELEON
Best Visual Design: CONTROL: Resonant
Best Game Expansion: DOOM: The Dark Ages: Revelations
Best Indie Game (Self Published): MECCHA CHAMELEON
Best Indie Game: Valheim
Best Gaming Hardware: Steam Controller
Studio of the Year: CAPCOM
Best Early Access Game: Subnautica 2
Best Soundtrack: Dispatch
Still Playing Award (Mobile): Balatro
Still Playing Award (PC & Console): Minecraft
Streamer's Choice Award: MECCHA CHAMELEON
Best Game Trailer: Resident Evil Requiem: Evil Has Always Had a Name
Best Remake/Remaster: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered
Developers' Choice: MECCHA CHAMELEON
Best Game Adaptation: Iron Lung
Best Supporting Performer: Grace Saif (Pragmata)
Best Lead Performer: Angela Sant'Albano (Resident Evil Requiem)
PC Game of the Year: Crimson Desert
Console Game of the Year: Resident Evil Requiem
Critics' Choice Award: Big Walk
Most Wanted Game: The Witcher 4
Ultimate Game of the Year: Resident Evil Requiem
The results reflect a competitive year for gaming, with MECCHA CHAMELEON matching Resident Evil Requiem's 4 awards, while Dispatch earned recognition for its storytelling and soundtrack. Crimson Desert's PC Game of the Year victory stands out as an important achievement for Pearl Abyss, particularly given the scale and technical ambition of its proprietary engine.
Crimson Desert's victory is well deserved, particularly considering the technical ambition behind its massive world, physics systems, and gameplay freedom. Pearl Abyss has demonstrated that a premium single player experience can evolve significantly through continuous improvements rather than relying entirely on monetization or live service mechanics. Its willingness to address criticism and expand the game after release sets a positive example for the PC industry. While Resident Evil Requiem secured the overall award, Crimson Desert represents the kind of technically ambitious, player focused development that deserves greater recognition.
Do you believe Crimson Desert deserved PC Game of the Year, and should it have won Ultimate Game of the Year over Resident Evil Requiem?
