Whenever a major prize-giving event draws close, one notices a clamor for the addition of new categories to acknowledge overlooked contributions and satisfy the passions of enthusiasts with niche passions.
My colleague previously argued supporting a scary games classification. That would rule. The same goes for tabletop games, which is someone's personal cause. However, I must insist if I try to elbow in front just as with other dedicated enthusiasts, there's a strong justification for why my demand remains most pressing above others. Here's the proposal: There should be a category for puzzle games.
Categorizing Game Types
Categorizing art by genre is not a science; it’s very subjective, and inevitably start arguments resulting in unclear classifications. This explains why cinema institutions avoid this approach. However, it represents an unavoidable compromise in the world of video games, that demonstrate such variety they barely qualify as a single art form.
For comprehensive acknowledgment of gaming accomplishments to receive acknowledgment, and for games of all stripes to compete fairly, genre categories are essential.
Present Award Structure
Leading game ceremonies presently include genre categories for Action, Adventure-action titles, RPG experiences, Combat games, Sim/Strategy, and Sports/Racing games. Collectively, these classifications actually cover a lot of ground, allowing placement for numerous titles.
Different situation exists for logic-based experiences. No suitable classification appears to put them. Examine these examples from outstanding current releases, all very different: the architectural riddles from a specific release, intense tile-matching in a different title, engaging interpersonal challenges in another game. What category would fit them within current classifications? Simply put, no category fits.
The Representation Problem
Many instances occur outstanding logic titles published annually that have no home at major award shows, except when they manage to fit for categories like Mobile Game, Virtual reality experiences, or the intensely contested small studio competitions.
- An iconic brain-teaser received no recognition completely that year
- Another creative title was excluded during that ceremony
- A beloved organization game received no acknowledgment in 2021
- Limited numbers of brain-teasers barely qualified for niche award types
Importance of Logic Titles
Frequently they represent small games, but the art in brain-teasers is of massive significance. Iconic mobile puzzle games rank among most popular titles globally maintaining this status for over a decade.
The legendary block-stacking game rivals famous sandbox experiences claiming status as most purchased experience; it also contends for top gaming experience. Logic titles represent cornerstones to the art of video games, while interacting across multiple categories.
Proposal and Rationale
Puzzle games wouldn’t have this problem. It would be easy to populate five nominees with fascinating, diverse, deserving games each ceremony simply — perhaps, with difficulty, given the need to exclude so many good games out.
Restating the point, these are games lacking appropriate categories during prominent ceremonies. Brain-teaser creators are working at the demanding boundary of video game design, developing some of essential manifestations of gaming itself. Just like film action specialists, they warrant appreciation. Let’s not keep them waiting 35 years.
