Each time a major prize-giving event draws close, you'll find an outcry for introducing fresh award types to acknowledge underappreciated efforts and delight the spirits of followers dedicated to specific genres.
A fellow writer previously argued supporting a scary games classification. That would be fantastic. Equally deserving are strategy board titles, representing a passionate advocate's mission. However, I must insist if I try to elbow in front because like all blinkered fanatics, I have a cast-iron argument supporting my request stands as crucial above others. Here's the proposal: It's essential to create a category for puzzle games.
Categorizing Game Types
Organizing artistic expressions defies precise measurement; it remains highly personal, and it will always generate discussions resulting in unclear classifications. There’s a reason cinema institutions don’t do it. Yet it remains an unavoidable compromise within the realm of interactive entertainment, which are so diverse they barely qualify a single creative category.
For the full spectrum of interactive entertainment excellence to gain proper attention, and for games of all stripes to receive proper recognition, genre categories are essential.
Present Award Structure
Prominent interactive entertainment events presently include classifications covering Action-oriented games, Action/Adventure, Role-Playing, Combat games, Simulation and strategy titles, plus athletic and racing experiences. Together, these classifications effectively encompass numerous genres, allowing placement for most games within them.
Not so for brain-teasing titles. No suitable classification appears for their placement. Consider three of this year’s best games, showing diverse approaches: structural challenges of one title, fast-paced pattern recognition of another game, engaging interpersonal challenges of a third title. Where could they possibly go between these six categories? Simply put, no category fits.
The Representation Problem
Many instances occur of brilliant puzzle games launched regularly that have no home during gaming ceremonies, if they accidentally match classification types such as Mobile Game, VR/AR Game, or the extremely competitive Indie races.
- One classic puzzle game wasn’t nominated completely in 2014
- Another imaginative release missed out that year
- Well-received sorting experience was overlooked that year
- Limited numbers of brain-teasers barely qualified for niche award types
Importance of Logic Titles
Frequently they represent small games, but the art behind logic titles holds tremendous importance. Famous handheld logic titles stand as most engaged experiences in the world maintaining this status for an extended period.
The iconic tile-matching title challenges well-known building titles claiming status as most purchased experience; it additionally competes for top gaming experience. Brain-teasers form essential building blocks within interactive entertainment, and they are in conversation with almost every other genre.
Proposal and Rationale
Logic titles wouldn't face this problem. One could readily select multiple candidates interesting, varied, worthy titles annually without trouble — perhaps, with difficulty, because you’d have to leave many worthy titles.
To emphasize again, these represent titles without proper classification in important events. Brain-teaser creators are working at the demanding boundary game development, developing some of essential manifestations within interactive entertainment. Just like film action specialists, they merit acknowledgment. We shouldn't delay 35 years.
