As any significant awards ceremony approaches, one notices a demand for introducing of new categories to recognize unsung work and satisfy the spirits of enthusiasts dedicated to specific genres.
A fellow writer previously argued for a horror game category. It would be amazing. So would tabletop games, representing a dedicated supporter's campaign. But they will have to forgive me for pushing forward since similar to blinkered fanatics, I possess a compelling case supporting my request remains most pressing and important of all. This is the request: It's essential to create an award type for logic-based games.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Categorizing art by genre isn't exact; opinions vary greatly, and it will always generate discussions concluding with vague boundaries. It's understandable that film award organizations avoid this approach. However, it represents an unavoidable compromise for the industry of interactive entertainment, that demonstrate such variety they hardly constitute as a single art form.
To recognize the complete range of gaming accomplishments to receive acknowledgment, and to ensure all game types to receive proper recognition, specific award classifications remain vital.
Existing Game Classification System
Prominent interactive entertainment events currently feature award types recognizing Action, Action/Adventure, Role-Playing, Fighting, Sim/Strategy, and Sports/Racing games. Collectively, these classifications effectively encompass many game types, making space possible for numerous titles.
Different situation exists for brain-teasing titles. No suitable classification appears to put them. Think about these this year’s best games, all very different: structural challenges of one title, the pulse-pounding block-matching from another release, and the sweetly sociological logic puzzles of a third title. Which classification works within current classifications? Simply put, no category fits.
Acknowledgment Issues
Numerous examples exist of brilliant puzzle games launched regularly without proper recognition at major award shows, unless they happen to qualify for categories like Handheld titles, VR/AR Game, or the extremely competitive independent game categories.
- One classic puzzle game received no recognition in any category in 2014
- A different innovative game was excluded during that ceremony
- Well-received sorting experience got ignored that year
- Limited numbers of logic titles managed to sneak into small studio or handheld classifications
Value of Brain-Teasers
Commonly they're modest productions, yet the craft in brain-teasers carries substantial weight. Iconic mobile puzzle games stand as most popular titles in the world and have been for over a decade.
The legendary block-stacking game competes with well-known building titles claiming status as highest-selling title ever; it additionally competes as greatest title ever. Logic titles represent cornerstones to the art of video games, while interacting with diverse game types.
Proposal and Rationale
Puzzle games wouldn’t have this problem. It would be easy to populate multiple candidates with fascinating, diverse, deserving games every year with ease — actually, with challenge, given the need to exclude so many good games out.
To emphasize again, these include experiences lacking appropriate categories in important events. Puzzle game makers are working at the challenging frontier interactive creation, developing some of the purest expressions within interactive entertainment. Just like movie stunt professionals, they warrant appreciation. Let’s not keep them waiting 35 years.
