The Hugo Awards, established in 1953, are prestigious accolades presented annually by the World Science Fiction Society. Named after Hugo Gernsback, the founder of the pioneering science fiction magazine Amazing Stories, these awards honor the best in science fiction and fantasy across various media, including literature, film, and, more recently, video games.
In an exciting development for Zelda enthusiasts, The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom has been nominated for the 2025 Hugo Award in the Best Game or Interactive Work category. This nomination underscores the game’s innovative approach and its impact on the gaming community.
Echoes of Wisdom breaks new ground by placing players in the role of Princess Zelda, offering a fresh perspective within the beloved franchise. The game introduces the “echo” summoning mechanic, allowing players to create replicas of objects and enemies to solve puzzles and engage in combat. This inventive feature has been praised for encouraging creativity and strategic thinking, with IGN noting that the echo system “combines the expertly crafted dungeons, puzzle rooms, and item progression you’d expect from a classic-style 2D Zelda with the borderline unhinged freedom provided by Tears of the Kingdom.”
The nomination places Echoes of Wisdom alongside other notable titles such as Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, Caves of Qud, 1000xRESIST, and Tactical Breach Wizards. Each of these games has been recognized for their unique contributions to storytelling and gameplay within the industry.
The winners will be announced at the 83rd World Science Fiction Convention in Seattle on August 16. Previous recipients of the award include Hades and Baldur’s Gate 3, highlighting the significance of this nomination for Echoes of Wisdom and its developers.
For Zelda fans, this nomination not only celebrates the franchise’s evolution but also acknowledges the community’s enthusiasm and support that continue to drive the series forward.
