Key information
The narrative adventure Dispatch, developed by AdHoc Studio, has received special permission from Geoff Keighley to compete for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2026. This decision marks an unprecedented exception to the event's eligibility rules, as the title was previously eligible for the 2025 ceremony.
Although the first season's eight episodes were released before the November 21, 2025, deadline, the timing left insufficient opportunity for the jury to fully experience and evaluate the complete work. Consequently, the game will now have a second opportunity to be considered for awards in the upcoming cycle.
AdHoc Studio noted that despite the limited exposure, Dispatch was nominated for Best Indie Debut in 2025. The team highlighted that the game received broader recognition at the D.I.C.E. Awards, Game Developers Choice Awards, and BAFTA Games Awards, which took place after the full content became available to the public.
While the game faces a difficult path to secure a nomination in the competitive GOTY category, this regulatory exception underscores the unique status of the project. No other title has previously been granted the opportunity to contend for the top prize across two different years.
