Black Myth: Zhong Kui Lands Golden Joystick Most Wanted Nomination

Well, this is a fun one. The Golden Joystick Awards just dropped its 2026 nominee list, and Black Myth: Zhong Kui is officially in the running for Most Wanted Game.

Voting opened on September 25, with 21 categories up for grabs this year. You've got your usual suspects — Game of the Year, PC Game of the Year, Best Visual Design — plus the one we're all here for: Most Wanted Game, which celebrates the titles players are itching to get their hands on. That includes sequels, remakes, and brand-new IPs.

The organizers noted that this particular shortlist tends to favor games with a clearer release window, specifically those expected in 2027 or later. So a nod here isn't just hype — it's a sign the project is far enough along to have a rough timeline.

And wow, what a lineup Zhong Kui is up against. The other nominees include God of War: Laufey, Final Fantasy VII: Revelation, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, The Witcher 4, Tides of Annihilation, Persona 6, Resident Evil: Veronica, and Fable 4. That's a murderer's row of heavy hitters, and Game Science's follow-up to Black Myth: Wukong is sitting right in the middle of it.

If you're keeping score at home, last year belonged to Sandfall Interactive and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which absolutely cleaned up with seven Golden Joystick wins. This year, though, the final call is entirely in your hands — every category is decided by player votes.

So if you want to see Zhong Kui take home the Most Wanted crown, you know what to do. The ballot is live now, and the competition isn't going to vote for itself. Which nominee are you backing? Let us know in the comments.