Rockstar Games' long‑awaited GTA6 is currently the runaway favorite to win Game of the Year at the 2026 Game Awards, according to prediction‑market traders. Rival titles Resident Evil: Requiem and the surprise entrant Crimson Desert trail behind, but their odds could shift if Rockstar’s November 19 launch slips.

GTA6 leads Game of Year 2026 odds at 41¢ per share

Traders on the Kalshi platform were able to back a ‘Yes’ on GTA6 winning Game of the Year for just 41 ¢ in March, reflecting strong confidence despite earlier uncertainty about the title’s release . As the source notes, the odds have tightened since Take‑Two’s CEO Strauss Zelnick publicly declared the November 19, 2026 launch "cast‑iron".

According to the report, the game’s near‑perfect review scores—hovering around the 90‑percent mark—have bolstered its market position, making it a low‑risk hedge for bettors seeking exposure to the awards outcome.

Resident Evil: Requiem holds a 24% second‑place chance

Capcom’s horror seqel Resident Evil: Requiem is the only serious challenger, sitting at a 24 % probability of clinching the top prize . The source highlights the title’s blend of zombie thrills, combat mechanics, and character‑switching, which resonates with both critics and players.

While the game’s genre differs sharply from GTA6’s open‑world crime saga, its strong narrative and gameplay depth have earned it a solid foothold in the odds pool, according to the same market analysis.

Crimson Desert priced at a 7% ‘Yes’ odds play

Pearl Abyss’s fantasy‑themed Crimson Desert is the dark horse , trading at a modest 7 % ‘Yes’ value. the source describes its lush open world, puzzle elements, and engaging combat as potential crowd‑pleasers that could attract a niche voting bloc.

Despite its lower odds, the game’s unique aesthetic and the novelty factor keep it on the radar of speculative traders looking for upside in a market dominated by blockbuster franchises .

Take‑Two’s November 19, 2026 launch deadline under pressure

Take‑Two Interactive’s CEO Strauss Zelnick reiterated that the November 19, 2026 release date is non‑negotiable, a statement made this spring after previous delays pushed the game from an original May 2025 slot to the next year. The source points out that the award voting timeline hinges on this deadline; any slip could disqualify GTA6 from consideration.

If the launch is postponed to 2027, the market could see a surge in odds for Resident Evil: Requiem and Crimson Desert, opening the door for a more competitive awards field.

Will GTA6 launch before the voting deadline?

The biggest unanswered question is whether Rockstar can meet the November 19 release and still be eligible for the 2026 Game Awards. The source notes that the voting body comprises over 100 journalists, influencers, and a small public vote, but does not confirm the exact cut‑off date for eligibility.

Another uncertainty is the impact of any last‑minute technical issues on the game's critical reception, which could sway the already‑tight odds.