As any major prize-giving event draws close, you'll find an outcry for the addition of new categories to recognize underappreciated efforts and delight the spirits of followers dedicated to specific genres.
Another commentator previously argued advocating for terror-themed awards. That would rule. The same goes for tabletop games, which is a dedicated supporter's campaign. But they will have to forgive me if I try to elbow in front since similar to dedicated enthusiasts, I have a cast-iron argument backing this proposal remains most pressing and significant. The demand is this: It's essential to create an award type for logic-based games.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Classifying creative works isn't exact; it remains highly personal, and typically generate discussions and end in fuzzy definitions. This explains why film award organizations don’t do it. However, it represents a necessary evil in the world of gaming, that demonstrate such variety it's challenging to consider them as a single art form.
For the full spectrum of gaming accomplishments to gain proper attention, while allowing diverse titles to have a chance for representation, classification by type becomes crucial.
Existing Game Classification System
Leading game ceremonies currently feature classifications covering Action-oriented games, Action/Adventure, Role-Playing, Fighting, Sim/Strategy, plus athletic and racing experiences. Together, these award types successfully include a lot of ground, and you can find room accommodating various experiences.
This doesn't apply to puzzle games. There’s simply nowhere to put them. Consider three of this year’s best games, showing diverse approaches: structural challenges of one title, the pulse-pounding block-matching in a different title, thought-provoking social scenarios in another game. Which classification works between these six categories? Simply put, no category fits.
Recognition Challenges
Numerous examples exist outstanding logic titles released every year that have no home at major award shows, except when they manage to fit classification types such as Mobile Game, VR/AR Game, or the intensely contested independent game categories.
- One classic puzzle game wasn’t nominated in any category during that awards season
- Another imaginative release missed out during that ceremony
- Well-received sorting experience received no acknowledgment that year
- Limited numbers of brain-teasers scraped into independent or mobile categories
Significance of Puzzle Games
Frequently they represent small games, however the design in brain-teasers carries substantial weight. Famous handheld logic titles count as most popular titles worldwide and have been for an extended period.
The legendary block-stacking game competes with famous sandbox experiences claiming status as most purchased experience; it’s also in the running as greatest title ever. Puzzle games are foundational to the art of video games, while interacting across multiple categories.
The Solution and Justification
Brain-teasers wouldn't encounter that issue. One could readily select a field of five engaging, different, qualified experiences annually without trouble — perhaps, with difficulty, given the need to exclude so many good games out.
To emphasize again, these are games without proper classification in important events. Brain-teaser creators are working at the challenging frontier interactive creation, developing some of most fundamental forms within interactive entertainment. Similar to cinema stunt performers, they warrant appreciation. Let’s not keep them waiting generations.
