Each time a major prize-giving event nears, you'll find an outcry to include additional classifications to recognize underappreciated efforts and fill the spirits of enthusiasts who have specialized interests.
Another commentator previously argued supporting a scary games classification. That would rule. The same goes for strategy board titles, which is a passionate advocate's mission. However, I must insist if I try to elbow in front because like all dedicated enthusiasts, I possess a compelling case backing this proposal remains most pressing above others. The demand is this: We need an award type for logic-based games.
Organizing Gaming Categories
Classifying creative works defies precise measurement; opinions vary greatly, and inevitably generate discussions concluding with vague boundaries. There’s a reason movie academies avoid this approach. But it is an essential concession for the industry of video games, which are so diverse it's challenging to consider them one unified medium.
For comprehensive acknowledgment of achievement in video games to receive acknowledgment, and to ensure all game types to receive proper recognition, classification by type becomes crucial.
Existing Game Classification System
Leading game ceremonies presently include classifications covering Action, Adventure-action titles, Role-Playing, Fighting, Simulation and strategy titles, plus athletic and racing experiences. Together, these six categories successfully include many game types, allowing placement for numerous titles.
This doesn't apply to logic-based experiences. No appropriate category exists for their placement. Consider three of this year’s best games, each quite distinct: structural challenges of one title, intense tile-matching from another release, thought-provoking social scenarios from additional release. Which classification works within current classifications? Unfortunately, nowhere.
The Representation Problem
Many instances occur excellent brain-teasers released every year without proper recognition at major award shows, except when they manage to fit classification types such as Handheld titles, VR/AR Game, or the intensely contested small studio competitions.
- An iconic brain-teaser received no recognition completely that year
- Another creative title received no nominations in 2019
- Well-received sorting experience got ignored that year
- Limited numbers of logic titles managed to sneak into small studio or handheld classifications
Significance of Puzzle Games
Commonly they're modest productions, but the art behind logic titles holds tremendous importance. Famous handheld logic titles count as most popular titles in the world continuing this trend for an extended period.
The iconic tile-matching title competes with well-known building titles competing to become highest-selling title ever; it also contends for top gaming experience. Brain-teasers form essential building blocks to the art of video games, while interacting with almost every other genre.
The Solution and Justification
Brain-teasers wouldn't encounter such difficulty. You could fill a field of five interesting, varied, worthy titles each ceremony simply — or rather, with difficulty, because you’d have to leave numerous deserving experiences.
Restating the point, these represent titles that otherwise have no home in important events. Puzzle game makers function at the challenging frontier game development, creating some of essential manifestations within interactive entertainment. Similar to movie stunt professionals, they warrant appreciation. Let’s not keep them waiting 35 years.
