The New York Videogame Critics Circle has officially revealed the nominees for the 15th Annual New York Game Awards, and Sonic the Hedgehog is once again represented. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds has been nominated for the Central Park Children’s Zoo Award for Best Kids Game, highlighting the franchise’s continued appeal to younger audiences and family friendly play.
The nominees were announced during a livestream on the official NYVGCC YouTube channel and were read by actor and voice actor Ahmed Best alongside Kimari Rennis. During the broadcast, it was also confirmed that The Pokémon Company will receive the 2026 Andrew Yoon Legend Award, recognizing its long standing impact on the games industry.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds joins a competitive lineup in the Best Kids Game category, which includes Pokémon Legends Z A, Donkey Kong Bananza, Lego Party!, Sunderfolk and Koira. The nomination reflects SEGA’s ongoing efforts to expand Sonic’s reach through accessible, fast paced multiplayer experiences designed for players of all ages.
This year’s New York Game Awards also introduce a new category, the Excelsior Award for Best New York Game. The award was created to spotlight titles developed by New York based studios. According to NYVGCC president Harold Goldberg, the addition is meant to better recognize the growing strength and diversity of the local game development scene.
The 15th Annual New York Game Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, January 18 2026, at the SVA Theatre in Manhattan. The celebration begins a day earlier with GG Fest on January 17, featuring panels with game creators and a special Supergiant Games Unplugged concert by Darren Korb and Ashley Barrett. Fans who cannot attend in person will be able to watch the event live on YouTube and Twitch.
As Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds continues to receive recognition following its launch, this nomination reinforces Sonic’s strong presence in the current gaming landscape as the franchise moves toward an even bigger future.
Stay tuned to Sonic City for more Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds News and Updates!
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