Credit: Steam
Valve has officially unveiled the first details of The Steam Awards 2026, confirming new award categories, the return of fan-favourite nominations, and the schedule for this year’s community voting. The upcoming edition will also mark the 10th anniversary of the popular gaming awards.
One of the biggest additions is a special category called “Hall of Fame of the Hall of Fame”, which will allow Steam users to choose their favourite title from previous Game of the Year winners. It brings together some of the most celebrated games in the history of the awards.
Valve has also introduced another new category, “This Is My Job Now”, dedicated to games that keep players so engaged that they feel like a second job.
Meanwhile, two familiar categories are making a comeback: “Just 5 More Minutes”, recognising games that are difficult to put down, and “Defies Description”, celebrating titles that are truly unique and hard to categorise.
When do The Steam Awards 2026 nominations begin?
According to Valve’s announcement, nominations for The Steam Awards 2026 will open on November 23 and run until November 30. Players will be able to nominate their favourite games across 14 categories.
The final voting stage is scheduled to begin on December 17, coinciding with the launch of the Steam Winter Sale.
With its anniversary edition, Valve is giving the Steam community another opportunity to celebrate the games that made the year memorable. The addition of a special Hall of Fame category could also spark plenty of debate, especially when some of the biggest Game of the Year winners from previous years compete for another community vote.
More details about the nominees and the final results are expected as the event progresses.