The 42nd Golden Joystick Awards voting is now open, so you can crown the PC Game of the Year.

Now you can vote for your favorite games in the 42nd Golden Joystick Awards, in categories such as PC Game of the Year or Console Game of the Year. The polls are open until Friday, Nov. 1, at 4pm PDT/7pm ET/11pm GMT. You have a full month to decide where your loyalty lies.

Daniel Dawkins, content director at Golden Joystick Awards, said in a release that 2023 was the best year ever for video gaming. Baldur's Gate 3 won a record seven awards and Larian Studios took home a record six. "2024 was a challenging year in many ways for the games industry, but the diversity and variety of releases over the past 12 months have made this list of Golden Joystick Awards nominees one of the most difficult - and exciting - we've ever put together."

I think that "challenging", is an understatement. But it's true that some fantastic games have been released this year. I would like to see Ultros win the award for Best Indie Game. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, the award for Best Game Expansion and Lethal Company, the award for Best Early Access Game. There are so many games that deserve to win an award. It's likely going to be a close race.

Dawkins continues, "Above All, this could be an year of BIG Surprises--who would have seen Palworld, Helldivers 2 or Balatro coming?" "We can't hardly wait to see your votes for the games, studios and personalities you want in 2024!"

The Golden Joysticks also have a few new categories: the Still Playing Awards and a new category for indie games. These categories may help to settle the debate over what an indie title is. Dawkins says that the Self-published category "(hopefully), better reflects how games reach market", Dawkins.

The 42nd Golden Joystick Awards, which will be held in central London on November 21, will also be streamed live. The voting for the Ultimate Game of the Year, arguably the most important award, is not yet open. You will be able vote on the 4th of November, the same day that the shortlist will be announced.