Forza Might Actually Lose at The Game Awards for the First Time in a Decade
Forza Horizon 6 may be challenged for Best Sports/Racing Game at The Game Awards by Star Wars: Galactic Racer, making this year’s category less predictable than usual. The contest matters because a win for Galactic Racer would recognise an attempt to innovate in a genre often dominated by familiar series.
Forza has a Metacritic score of 90 and a strong awards record, while Galactic Racer scores 88. The article argues that Galactic Racer’s roguelike structure, buildcrafting and multiplayer design, alongside its Star Wars licence and links to Burnout and Wipeout, could appeal to jury members. It says Forza has not faced a plausible challenger in this category for a decade.
In short
- Forza Horizon 6 faces a credible rival at The Game Awards.
- Star Wars: Galactic Racer has a Metacritic score of 88.
- Its genre experiments could help it beat the 90-rated Forza.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Forza Horizon 6’s higher review score and decade-long awards record give voters good reason to favour its polished, consistently strong take on racing. Its familiarity may reflect a series that continues to deliver quality, while Galactic Racer’s newer ideas and licence do not necessarily make it the stronger overall game.
The case against
Awards voters could reasonably see Star Wars: Galactic Racer as a more distinctive contribution to a genre often led by established series. Its roguelike structure, buildcrafting and multiplayer design offer fresh possibilities, and its strong reviews suggest it merits serious consideration despite Forza’s record.
Explained simply
The Game Awards are an annual event where a panel of games media and industry voters recognises games across several categories. Best Sports/Racing Game covers titles built around sport or driving, and Forza Horizon is a long-running series of open-world racing games made by Playground Games.
Star Wars: Galactic Racer is a racing game set in the Star Wars universe. It combines racing with features such as changing runs, vehicle customisation and multiplayer, and draws on the appeal of a major film franchise.
The category matters to publishers and players as a mark of recognition, though awards do not determine which game people enjoy most. A close contest would put a newer approach to racing alongside an established series with a strong awards record.