Metro 2039 Takes Aim at Alien: Isolation 2 as Gamescom Awards Nominees Revealed

Gamescom 2026 is set to kick off tomorrow, bringing five days of hands-on announcements, presentations, and the kind of community buzz that only a major global show can generate. One of the headline moments will be the gamescom award ceremony, and the event’s spotlight is already narrowing as the nominations for the current year’s awards have been revealed.

The awards are handed out across 19 categories. At this stage, nominees are known for 12 of them, while the remaining seven are tied directly to activities happening during the show itself—meaning no entries can be nominated for those categories before doors open.

As the nominations take shape, Metro: 2039 has emerged as the biggest contender so far, collecting five nominations and positioning itself as the title most likely to convert that attention into multiple wins. It’s closely followed by Alien: Isolation 2 and Denshattack!, with each of those games landing four nominations in total.

There’s also a clear Polish thread among the contenders. The Blood of Dawnwalker, from Rebel Wolves, will make its debut in just 10 days and has secured two nominations, giving the upcoming release an early shot at recognition during the ceremony.

gamescom award 2026: the announced nominations

Below are the 12 categories where nominees are already confirmed:

Best Visuals

1. Alien: Isolation 2
2. Deperson
3. Forza Horizon 6
4. Inkblood
5. Metro: 2039

Best Audio

1. Alien: Isolation 2
2. Cairn
3. Denshattack!
4. Forza Horizon 6
5. There are No Ghosts at the Grand

Best Gameplay

1. Alien: Isolation 2
2. Cairn
3. Denshattack!
4. Onimusha: Way of the Sword
5. The Blood of Dawnwalker

Most Entertaining Game

1. Bad Magpie
2. Denshattack!
3. Escape From Duckov
4. There are No Ghosts at the Grand
5. Wanderburg

Most Epic Game

1. Crimson Desert
2. Metro: 2039
3. Stranger Than Heaven
4. Tides of Annihilation
5. Total War: Warhammer 40,000

Most Wholesome Game

1. Age Twisters
2. Book Nook
3. Finding Polka
4. Garden Ink
5. OPUS: Prism Peak

Games with Impact (Most Impact)

1. Fishbowl
2. Media Circus
3. OPUS: Prism Peak
4. SOKO 1977: Anti-Terror Task Force
5. The Regreening

Best Xbox Game

1. Forza Horizon 6
2. Gears of War: E-Day
3. Halo: Campaign Evolved
4. Metro: 2039
5. Stranger Than Heaven

Best PC Game

1. Alien: Isolation 2
2. Crimson Desert
3. Guns of Eschaton
4. Metro: 2039
5. Total War: Warhammer 40,000

Best PlayStation Game

1. Dragon’s Dogma 2 Dark Arisen
2. Metro 2039
3. Onimusha: Way of the Sword
4. The Blood of Dawnwalker
5. Tides of Annihilation

Best Nintendo Switch 2 Game

1. Denshattack!
2. Mega Man: Dual Override
3. Nintendo Switch Sport Resort
4. OPUS: Prism Peak
5. Rayman Legends Retold

Best Mobile Game

1. Arknights: Endfield
2. Genshin Impact
3. Silver Palace
4. Where Winds Meet
5. Zenless Zone Zero

Beyond the awards, gamescom 2026 is also promising a packed lineup: 30 games will be presented on site, including seven high-profile world premieres. For viewing options, the main live broadcast will run in German on Twitch. If you prefer English commentary, a special livestream featuring host Michał Mańka is planned for the FYNG channel.

Attendees who plan to visit in person are also being directed toward FYNG’s on-site presence in hall number 7, where the event space includes a large stage and 1,600 square meters of attractions.