Canadian Game Awards 2026: Nominees Unveiled for Sixth Annual Show

The Canadian Game Awards (CGA) has officially released the list of nominees for its 6th annual ceremony, celebrating excellence in Canadian game development throughout 2025. This year’s selections showcase a diverse range of achievements, spanning major studio blockbusters and compelling independent projects from across the nation.

The nominations reflect a robust year for the Canadian gaming industry, with several high-profile titles receiving multiple nods. The awards ceremony serves as a key event recognizing the talent driving the sector forward.

Leading Contenders for 2026 Honors

Ubisoft’s highly anticipated title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has secured the most nominations, leading the field with a total of nine nods. Close behind is Compulsion Games’ South of Midnight, which garnered an impressive eight nominations.

Other notable contenders recognized include Eternal Strands, Hell Is Us, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage, and Battlefield 6. Each of these titles earned between four and five nominations across various categories.

New Fan Category and Special Recognition

For the 2026 event, the CGA introduced a brand-new Fan Choice category. This addition was established in collaboration with the Entertainment Software Association of Canada, allowing the gaming public to directly influence the outcome of one of the awards.

The ceremony will also bestow the prestigious Game Changer Award upon Victor Lucas. This honor recognizes his substantial, long-standing influence on Canadian gaming and his crucial role in promoting the industry through Electric Playground.

Key Award Categories Highlighted

The comprehensive list of categories covers the breadth of game creation and community involvement. These include:

  • Best Art Direction
  • Best Game Design
  • Best Score/Soundtrack
  • Best Narrative
  • Best Performance
  • Best Audio Design
  • Best PC Game
  • Best Console Game
  • Best Indie Game
  • Best Mobile Game
  • Best VR/AR Game
  • Best in Accessibility
  • Esports Player, Coach, Org, and Event
  • Content Creator / Show
  • Game of the Year
  • Studio of the Year

Awards Ceremony Details

The winners of the 2026 Canadian Game Awards will be revealed during a live event on May 21st. The celebration is scheduled to take place at the John Bassett Theatre in Toronto.

This year’s ceremony is anticipated to be the largest installment yet, bringing together developers, creators, and fans. Tickets for both general admission and VIP access are currently available for purchase.