Golden Joystick Awards: GTA 6 wins ‘Most Wanted Game’ twice, breaking records despite launch delay

Grand Theft Auto 6 continued its unprecedented hype cycle by sweeping two major categories at the 2025 Golden Joystick Awards, clinching “Most Wanted Game” for the second consecutive year and “Best Trailer” for its record-shattering second reveal. The achievement cements GTA 6 as one of only three titles, alongside Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3, to secure back-to-back wins in the coveted “Most Wanted” category.

Industry’s Surprising Relief Over GTA 6 Delay

While Take-Two’s announcement of a second delay, shifting the release from May to November 2026, sparked disappointment among gamers and a notable 10% drop in company stock, many industry insiders see the postponement as a blessing in disguise. Developers, like IO Interactive’s Hakan Abrak, expressed relief as it opens the spring 2026 window for their own releases, including 007: First Light, without direct competition from Rockstar’s juggernaut. Studios are also reworking launch schedules, hoping to capitalise on the breathing room left by GTA 6’s absence.

A Rarity in Award History

GTA 6’s second “Most Wanted Game” win places it in a rare league; since the category’s inception in 2003, only Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 have managed consecutive victories. This distinction stokes both anticipation and anxiety among fans, with reminders of Cyberpunk 2077’s troubled launch following its own award streak. However, Rockstar’s decision to delay for additional polish has fueled optimism for a smoother GTA 6 debut.

Rockstar Absent, Hype Unabated

Despite sweeping its nominations, Rockstar Games did not attend the London ceremony, leaving a palpable gap in the festivities. The studio’s absence did little to dampen fan excitement; millions continue to dissect the game’s trailers, speculate on narrative beats, and debate its impact on the industry calendar. GTA 6 remains a gravitational force in gaming, shaping release strategies and fueling enormous anticipation for its eventual holiday 2026 launch.