As any prominent honors show approaches, one notices an outcry to include of new categories to acknowledge unsung work and delight the spirits of fans who have specialized interests.
A fellow writer previously argued for a horror game category. It would be amazing. The same goes for tabletop games, which is a passionate advocate's mission. But they will have to forgive me if I try to elbow in front since similar to dedicated enthusiasts, I possess a compelling case supporting my request remains most pressing and important of all. Here's the proposal: We need an award type for logic-based games.
Organizing Gaming Categories
Categorizing art by genre isn't exact; opinions vary greatly, and it will always generate discussions resulting in unclear classifications. This explains why movie academies avoid this approach. But it is a necessary evil for the industry of video games, showing incredible range they barely qualify a single creative category.
For comprehensive acknowledgment of gaming accomplishments to be recognized, while allowing diverse titles to receive proper recognition, genre categories are essential.
Existing Game Classification System
Prominent interactive entertainment events currently feature award types recognizing Action-oriented games, Adventure-action titles, RPG experiences, Combat games, Simulation and strategy titles, and Sports/Racing games. Together, these classifications effectively encompass numerous genres, making space possible for numerous titles.
Not so for puzzle games. No appropriate category exists to put them. Examine these examples from outstanding current releases, all very different: building puzzles in a particular game, fast-paced pattern recognition of another game, engaging interpersonal challenges in another game. What category would fit them among existing types? Simply put, no category fits.
The Representation Problem
Numerous examples exist of brilliant puzzle games launched regularly lacking appropriate categories at major award shows, if they accidentally match for categories like Handheld titles, VR/AR Game, or the intensely contested Indie races.
- An iconic brain-teaser wasn’t nominated completely that year
- A different innovative game missed out during that ceremony
- A beloved organization game received no acknowledgment in 2021
- Just some puzzle games managed to sneak into small studio or handheld classifications
Value of Brain-Teasers
These are often compact experiences, however the design behind logic titles carries substantial weight. Well-known matching games stand as most engaged experiences worldwide continuing this trend for an extended period.
The iconic tile-matching title rivals famous sandbox experiences competing to become highest-selling title ever; it’s also in the running for top gaming experience. Puzzle games are foundational for gaming as medium, and they are in conversation across multiple categories.
The Solution and Justification
Puzzle games wouldn’t have such difficulty. You could fill five nominees engaging, different, qualified experiences every year with ease — perhaps, with difficulty, given the need to exclude many worthy titles.
And to reiterate, these represent titles without proper classification in important events. Puzzle game makers are working at the challenging frontier interactive creation, producing among essential manifestations of the video game form. Comparable to film action specialists, they warrant appreciation. Don't make them wait 35 years.
