As any prominent prize-giving event draws close, there’s always a clamor for introducing additional classifications to recognize overlooked contributions and satisfy the passions of fans who have specialized interests.
Another commentator made the case supporting a scary games classification. It would be amazing. So would tabletop games, this being a dedicated supporter's campaign. Yet I need to apologize in advance for pushing forward because like all dedicated enthusiasts, I possess a compelling case backing this proposal is the most urgent above others. This is the request: It's essential to create an award type for logic-based games.
Organizing Gaming Categories
Classifying creative works isn't exact; opinions vary greatly, and inevitably start arguments resulting in unclear classifications. There’s a reason film award organizations avoid this approach. But it is an unavoidable compromise for the industry of video games, which are so diverse they hardly constitute one unified medium.
To recognize the complete range of achievement in video games to gain proper attention, while allowing diverse titles to have a chance for representation, genre categories are essential.
Current Gaming Award Categories
The major gaming awards presently include award types recognizing Action, Adventure-action titles, RPG experiences, Combat games, Simulation and strategy titles, plus athletic and racing experiences. Together, these classifications effectively encompass many game types, making space possible for numerous titles.
Not so for puzzle games. No suitable classification appears to put them. Consider three of outstanding current releases, showing diverse approaches: building puzzles of one title, the pulse-pounding block-matching from another release, engaging interpersonal challenges in another game. Which classification works within current classifications? Nowhere, that’s where.
The Representation Problem
Many instances occur of brilliant puzzle games published annually without proper recognition at major award shows, if they accidentally match award groups including Mobile Game, VR/AR Game, or the extremely competitive small studio competitions.
- A renowned logic title received no recognition in any category during that awards season
- Another imaginative release missed out in 2019
- A beloved organization game got ignored in 2021
- Limited numbers of brain-teasers managed to sneak into niche award types
Importance of Logic Titles
These are often modest productions, yet the craft of the puzzle game carries substantial weight. Iconic mobile puzzle games count as most engaged experiences worldwide maintaining this status for over a decade.
The famous puzzle experience rivals popular creative games competing to become best-selling game of all time; it also contends as greatest title ever. Puzzle games are foundational to the art of video games, and engaging across multiple categories.
Proposal and Rationale
Brain-teasers wouldn't encounter this problem. One could readily select multiple candidates engaging, different, qualified experiences each ceremony simply — perhaps, with difficulty, because you’d have to leave so many good games out.
And to reiterate, these are games that otherwise have no home in important events. Puzzle game makers are working at the demanding boundary of video game design, creating some of essential manifestations within interactive entertainment. Just like cinema stunt performers, they warrant appreciation. Don't make them wait 35 years.
