Pearl Abyss' 'Crimson Desert' was named to the list of nominees for the Gamescom Awards 2026, announced on August 24 (local time). It earned nominations in two categories: 'Most Epic' and 'Best PC Game'.

The awards target entries showcased in the Entertainment Area during the event. The organizing committee stated that an international jury composed of gaming journalists and content creators selected the nominees from among the submissions.

There are five nominees for 'Most Epic', including 'Crimson Desert'. It will compete against 'METRO: 2039' (4A Games / Deep Silver), 'STRANGER THAN HEAVEN' (RGG Studio / SEGA), 'Tides of Annihilation' (Eclipse Glow Games), and 'Total War: WARHAMMER 40,000' (Creative Assembly / SEGA). In 'Best PC Game', it faces off against 'Alien: Isolation 2', 'Guns of Eskerton', 'METRO: 2039', and 'Total War: WARHAMMER 40,000'.

'Age Twister' (Piccolo Studio), published by KRAFTON, was also selected as a nominee in the 'Most Wholesome' category.

'METRO: 2039' earned the most nominations. In addition to 'Best Visuals' and 'Most Epic', it was nominated across all upcoming platform categories, securing a total of five nominations. Indie game 'Denshattack!' (Undercoders / Fireshine Games), which was revealed at gamescom Opening Night Live 2025, and 'Alien: Isolation 2' (Creative Assembly / SEGA) received four nominations each. Adding two nominations each for 'Total War: WARHAMMER 40,000' and 'STRANGER THAN HEAVEN' to those two titles, SEGA secured a total of eight nominations as a publisher.

Gamescom 2026 will run from August 26 to 30 in Cologne, Germany. Winners in the Arts and Platform groups, along with 'Best Booth (Consumer Award)', 'Best Merch', and 'Best Trailer/Announcement', will be decided by fan votes. Voting will be accepted from August 26 through August 27 at 2:00 PM (9:00 PM KST) via the official website (gamescom.global) and on-site QR codes. 'Best Lineup', 'Best Booth', 'Best Business Booth', and 'HEART OF GAMING' are categories determined by the jury.