Hades, the revered roguelite action game from indie studio Supergiant Games, has made history by becoming the first video game ever to win a coveted Hugo award.
The Hugo Awards are usually reserved for literature, film and television, and individual artists within the science fiction and fantasy genres. However, 2021 marks the first time that an award for Best Video Game has been added to the roster.
As reported by Kotaku, other nominees for the award included Animal Crossing New Horizons, Blaseball, Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Spiritfarer and The Last of Us: Part 2. Hades faced some tough competition, then, but it's not surprising to see the title come out on top, given the critical acclaim it's enjoyed dating all the way back to its early-access phase in 2018.
Supergiant Games creative director Greg Kasavin was unable to attend the awards ceremony in person, but tweeted a video soon after expressing thanks.
Wish I could have attended the #HugoAwards in person. I wasn't able to make an acceptance speech there on behalf of the team though did have a few words here. I'm grateful that the awards are recognizing work in this category, much less the work we did! pic.twitter.com/S9bfSp1i8HDecember 19, 2021
If you've yet to play Hades, the indie game is now more accessible than ever. It's available to play on every major platform including PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Xbox players can even download Hades from the Xbox Game Pass subscription service at no extra cost.
Hades is a Greek mythology-inspired roguelite action game in which you play as Prince Zagreus, son of the titular ruler of the underworld. Your goal is to flee the House of Hades, moving up through various levels of the Greek underworld including Tartaros, Asphodel and Elysium, in a quest to reach the surface. It's no easy task, as Hades himself will do everything in his power to prevent you from escaping.
Throw in a gleefully fun combat system, satisfying upgrades, and a cast of wonderfully memorable characters, all tied together by a brilliant aesthetic and soundtrack, and it's no wonder that Hades continues to catch the attention of awards shows in and out of the gaming sphere.
Hades previously enjoyed success at The Game Awards 2020, being nominated for Game of the Year at the Geoff Keighley-led awards show, and winning the Best Indie Game and Best Action Game categories.
