Whenever a major prize-giving event approaches, one notices a demand to include additional classifications to acknowledge unsung work and delight the passions of fans dedicated to specific genres.
A fellow writer made the case for a horror game category. That would rule. So would board games, this being a dedicated supporter's campaign. Yet I need to apologize in advance if I try to elbow in front since similar to dedicated enthusiasts, I possess a compelling case backing this proposal is the most urgent and important of all. Here's the proposal: We need an award type for logic-based games.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Classifying creative works isn't exact; it remains highly personal, and typically generate discussions resulting in unclear classifications. There’s a reason movie academies don’t do it. However, it represents an unavoidable compromise for the industry of video games, that demonstrate such variety it's challenging to consider them one unified medium.
For the full spectrum of achievement in video games to be recognized, and to ensure all game types to have a chance for representation, genre categories are essential.
Existing Game Classification System
Prominent interactive entertainment events offer these classifications covering Action, Action/Adventure, RPG experiences, Combat games, Simulation and strategy titles, and Sports/Racing games. Collectively, these award types actually cover many game types, making space possible for numerous titles.
Not so for brain-teasing titles. There’s simply nowhere for their placement. Examine these examples from this year’s best games, all very different: building puzzles in a particular game, the pulse-pounding block-matching from another release, engaging interpersonal challenges from additional release. Where could they possibly go between these six categories? Nowhere, that’s where.
Recognition Challenges
There are dozens of brilliant puzzle games published annually that have no home during gaming ceremonies, unless they happen to qualify classification types such as Handheld titles, Virtual reality experiences, and the highly challenging independent game categories.
- A renowned logic title received no recognition in any category during that awards season
- A different innovative game received no nominations during that ceremony
- Popular arranging title received no acknowledgment in 2021
- Just some brain-teasers barely qualified for niche award types
Importance of Logic Titles
These are often compact experiences, but the art behind logic titles holds tremendous importance. Famous handheld logic titles rank among most engaged experiences worldwide maintaining this status for over a decade.
The legendary block-stacking game challenges popular creative games for the title of highest-selling title ever; it’s also in the running for top gaming experience. Brain-teasers form essential building blocks within interactive entertainment, and they are in conversation across multiple categories.
Proposal and Rationale
Puzzle games wouldn’t have this problem. One could readily select a field of five interesting, varied, worthy titles annually without trouble — or rather, with difficulty, given the need to exclude so many good games out.
And to reiterate, these include experiences without proper classification at major gaming awards. Puzzle game makers are working at the demanding boundary interactive creation, creating some of the purest expressions of the video game form. Similar to film action specialists, they deserve recognition. We shouldn't delay decades.
