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**Gaming News: 2025 Hugo Award game finalists revealed**
The annual Hugo Awards have announced the list of nominees for their gaming category, and we’re excited to share the news with our readers. This year’s lineup features an impressive array of critically acclaimed titles, showcasing some of the best games from the past year.
In a surprise move, Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom has made it as a finalist alongside BioWare’s Dragon Age: The Veilguard. This unexpected nomination highlights the growing recognition of video games within the literary and science fiction community.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is an innovative spin on the franchise, placing players in the role of Zelda herself for the first time ever. Critics have praised the game’s unique gameplay mechanics, which involve summoning monsters and items to solve puzzles and battle enemies. It’s a bold new direction for the series that has received widespread acclaim.
Meanwhile, Dragon Age: The Veilguard is an action-oriented expansion to the popular Dragon Age franchise. Praised by fans and critics alike, it continues the story of Dragon Age Inquisition, a decade-old title. Its stunning visuals and engaging gameplay have made it one of the most talked-about games of the year.
However, this year’s nominees also feature a diverse range of smaller titles that may not be as well-known to mainstream audiences. One such game is Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, a puzzle game that has impressed with its clever narrative twists and innovative level design. Fans of puzzles and David Lynch-inspired storytelling will find much to appreciate in this under-the-radar gem.
Caves of Qud, on the other hand, is an incredibly deep and lore-heavy roguelike experience set within a fantasy realm. Its 15-year development cycle has resulted in a game that is both complex and engaging, offering countless hours of entertainment for fans of the genre.
Additionally, 1000xRESIST is praised for its compelling narrative, while Tactical Breach Wizards stands out as a turn-based RPG that has been called the best strategy game since XCOM 2 by some reviewers.
The winner will be announced on August 16th at the 83rd World Science Fiction Convention in Seattle. Notably, previous winners have included Hades and Baldur’s Gate 3, giving an idea of the level of quality and recognition we can expect from this year’s nominees.
Stay tuned for more gaming news and updates as we approach the Hugo Awards ceremony!
Source: https://www.engadget.com/gaming/2025-hugo-award-game-finalists-include-zelda-echoes-of-wisdom-and-dragon-age-the-veilguard-171135638.html?src=rss
