Forza Horizon 6 Tops 2026 Reviews at 90-plus, Challenging Racing Games' GOTY Ceiling
Updated
Updated · Polygon · May 24
Forza Horizon 6 Tops 2026 Reviews at 90-plus, Challenging Racing Games' GOTY Ceiling
1 articles · Updated · Polygon · May 24
Forza Horizon 6 has become 2026's top-reviewed game, clearing 90 on both Metacritic and OpenCritic as the first racing title to enter serious Game of the Year discussion.
That case rests on more than scores: the game is drawing broad popularity, posting a Steam audience far larger than Forza Horizon 5 and lining up a PS5 release later this year.
Its Japanese setting also gives Playground Games' racer unusual cultural weight, with references to Initial D, Gundam and other touchstones helping it feel bigger than a standard car game.
The main obstacle is awards history: despite similar acclaim in 2021, Forza Horizon 5 missed a Game Awards GOTY nomination, reflecting a long-running bias against racing games.
A relatively unsettled 2026 field could still help Horizon 6 build momentum before heavier contenders such as Grand Theft Auto 6, Fable and other late releases arrive.
Will Forza's Japanese setting redefine what awards juries consider a 'story' in games?
Is Forza's GOTY buzz due to its own merit or just a lack of strong competition?