As any major prize-giving event approaches, one notices a demand for the addition fresh award types to acknowledge unsung work and satisfy the spirits of fans who have specialized interests.
A fellow writer previously argued for a horror game category. That would be fantastic. So would tabletop games, this being a passionate advocate's mission. But they will have to forgive me for pushing forward because like all single-minded supporters, there's a strong justification backing this proposal is the most urgent above others. Here's the proposal: There should be an award type for logic-based games.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Classifying creative works isn't exact; it’s very subjective, and typically spark debates and end in fuzzy definitions. It's understandable that movie academies steer clear of genre categories. But it is a necessary evil in the world of video games, that demonstrate such variety it's challenging to consider them one unified medium.
To recognize the complete range of achievement in video games to be recognized, and for games of all stripes to have a chance for representation, specific award classifications remain vital.
Existing Game Classification System
The major gaming awards presently include classifications covering Action-oriented games, Adventure-action titles, Role-Playing, Fighting, Simulation and strategy titles, and Sports/Racing games. Together, these award types actually cover many game types, making space possible for most games within them.
This doesn't apply to puzzle games. There’s simply nowhere to accommodate them. Consider three of outstanding current releases, all very different: the architectural riddles from a specific release, fast-paced pattern recognition of another game, and the sweetly sociological logic puzzles from additional release. Where could they possibly go within current classifications? Nowhere, that’s where.
Recognition Challenges
Numerous examples exist of brilliant puzzle games released every year lacking appropriate categories at major award shows, unless they happen to qualify award groups including Handheld titles, Virtual reality experiences, or the extremely competitive small studio competitions.
- One classic puzzle game received no recognition for anything in 2014
- A different innovative game was excluded that year
- Popular arranging title was overlooked in 2021
- Only a few logic titles scraped into small studio or handheld classifications
Value of Brain-Teasers
These are often modest productions, however the design of the puzzle game holds tremendous importance. Well-known matching games stand as the most-played games in the world maintaining this status for many years.
The famous puzzle experience challenges well-known building titles claiming status as most purchased experience; it’s also in the running as greatest title ever. Logic titles represent cornerstones within interactive entertainment, and engaging with diverse game types.
The Solution and Justification
Logic titles wouldn't face this problem. It would be easy to populate a field of five with fascinating, diverse, deserving games each ceremony simply — perhaps, with difficulty, given the need to exclude so many good games out.
And to reiterate, these are games lacking appropriate categories at major gaming awards. Puzzle game makers operate at the demanding boundary of video game design, creating some of the purest expressions of the video game form. Similar to film action specialists, they merit acknowledgment. We shouldn't delay 35 years.
