TGA Confirms Games Can Compete More Than Once: Dispatch Returns for 2026 Game of the Year

Did you know a game can be nominated for TGA Game of the Year more than once? That's exactly what's happening with Dispatch, the superhero workplace narrative game from AdHoc Studio. TGA host and organizer Geoff Keighley has confirmed that the game is eligible for all major categories at the 2026 Game Awards, according to a report from Polygon.

Dispatch first launched its eight-episode first season on November 12, 2025, and it was met with overwhelming praise. That date actually fell before TGA's November 21 eligibility cutoff for that year. But here's the catch: nomination voting usually happens in early November, and AdHoc didn't give media early access, so judges could only experience part of the content. Despite that, Dispatch still earned a nomination for Best Debut Indie Game at TGA 2025.

Now, if it competes again in 2026, it will be the game's second consecutive year in the running. But hold on—being eligible doesn't guarantee a nomination. The judging panel still decides who makes the final list. In a written statement to Polygon, AdHoc Studio said, "Last year we got nominated for Best Debut Indie Game, even though judges had only played half the season. That was incredible and meant a lot to our team."

So how does TGA eligibility work? According to the official TGA FAQ, the general eligibility deadline for TGA 2026 is 9 PM Pacific Time on November 20, while the Players' Voice award has a November 30 deadline. TGA doesn't have a formal submission process or entry fee—games that meet the release window are automatically considered. However, AdHoc Studio hasn't clarified the specific conditions that allowed Dispatch to regain eligibility this time around.

Dispatch is available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. It's already racked up impressive recognition: six nominations at the 2025 D.I.C.E. Awards, including Game of the Year; three nominations at the Game Developers Choice Awards; and three wins at the BAFTA Games Awards, plus a nomination for Best Game. Not bad for a game that judges only half-played last year.

What do you think—will Dispatch score a Game of the Year nomination in 2026, or will the competition be too tough? Let us know in the comments!