Science fiction fans are probably well aware of the Hugo Award, the annual awards for sci-fi & fantasy stories, fandom, art, and dramatic presentation.  Past winners include popular properties such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, and Harry Potter.  Now, for the first time, the Hugos will acknowledge video games, as a new category has been added to the awards.  The catch, of course, is that only new video games featuring sci-fi or fantasy themes are eligible.  Ports of existing games to other platforms don't count.  Nominations for games released in 2005 are now underway.

It's always great when video gaming is recognized by another reputable organization.  The Hugos may not be up there with the Oscars and the Emmys in the minds of the general public, but personally I'd rather win a Hugo than I would an award from SpikeTV or G4.  I can't help but wonder how restrictive the requirements for nomination are, however.  Would Sonic Rush be eligible because it involves parallel realities?  Or talking sentient animals, for that matter?  Or is the award restricted to stereotypical space operas and elves?