2018 Golden Joystick Awards announced

You could say it’s a fairly regular occurrence, what with this being the 36 time they’ve come about – but still, the 2018 Golden Joystick Awards have been announced, with new, revamped categories and another chance for the public to have their say in what wins.

Returning to host will be comedian Danny Wallace, who also hosted last year’s event… and a few others before that – though he’s not quite fronted all 35 previous ceremonies. Categories returning will be the likes of the ‘Still Playing Award’, ‘Ultimate Game of the Year’, and ‘Most Wanted Game’, while updated categories make themselves known in the shape of ‘Best Competitive Game’ and ‘Best Cooperative Game’.

Wallace said of his return to hosting duties: "I’m delighted to be returning to the much-loved Golden Joysticks for a third year, because it means I won’t have to stay at home and pay for a party to celebrate the very best in gaming on my own, which is pointless and needlessly expensive. This has been a cracking year for gamers. Let’s find out who’s responsible and why…"

Meanwhile Dan Dawkins, global editor-in-chief of GamesRadar, said: "We’re working hard to make sure this is the best Golden Joysticks yet, with new and revamped categories designed to ensure that players have a chance to celebrate the games they loved most in 2018."

The shortlist for awards will be announced Friday September 21, with public voting opening that very same day – and closing on October 25, so you’ll have some time to mull things over before casting a vote.

The awards themselves, meanwhile, will take place Friday November 16 at the Bloomsbury Big Top in London, with the event being livestreamed for those who can’t make it to the capital.