Hades Defied The Odds and Is The First Video Game To Win A Hugo Award

Like a bodiless love for our favorite video games, when they win awards, that leaves an indelible mark in history. That is when your admiration for the video game may increase, with a sense of approval. For the roguelike, dungeon crawler, Hades, inspired by Greek mythology, where Zagreus (Hades son) escapes the underworld. 

It was last year, when Hades (developed and published by Supergiant Games) was released, combining the fast-paced action of Bastion (2011), the rich atmosphere and depth of Transistor (2014), and the character-driven storytelling of Pyre (2017).

One glimpse at Hades and you may be reminded about the action-adventure, Devil May Cry series, primarily developed and published by Capcom. More so, if you are not familiar with Hades, the game will instantly remind you of the Final Fantasy series. Hades is widely appreciated for its music and characters and narrative, keeping you begging for more. 

Each year, the Hugo Awards presents us with the most recognizable literary works of science fiction and fantasy. For 2021, the Best Video Game category was created, which was an idea for years, according to thehugoawards.org. Hades won plenty of game awards ever since it was released (like the GDC Game of The Year and BAFTAs for Best Game, Artistic Achievement, Narrative, Game Design, and Performer in a Supporting Role, which went to (Logan Cunningham).

At the 79th annual Worldcon, (DisCon III), Hades became the first video game to win a Hugo Award. 

Greg’s Acceptance Speech:

Greg Kasavin (Hades’ writer and creative director) was unable to attend the awards, but did post an acceptance speech via Twitter, “We’re so grateful that our work on Hades has stood out and we hope the Hugo Awards continue to recognize the amazing work being done in the video games space.” Then Greg gave a shout out to the Greek gods up high and and down low, for “inspiring people like us for several thousands of years now, and may they long continue to do so.” 

Bravo! Greg even thanks the gods down below.  Was that entire acceptance speech genuine? Who knows? Maybe he literally appreciates them. 

One thing you cannot deny is that Hades beat great competition. The other nominees are Animal Crossing: New Horizons and The Last of Us: Part II (among others).