Each time a major honors show nears, one notices a clamor for introducing fresh award types to recognize unsung work and fill the passions of enthusiasts dedicated to specific genres.
Another commentator made the case for a horror game category. That would be fantastic. So would tabletop games, which is a dedicated supporter's campaign. Yet I need to apologize in advance for pushing forward just as with other single-minded supporters, I have a cast-iron argument backing this proposal remains most pressing and significant. This is the request: It's essential to create a category for puzzle games.
Categorizing Game Types
Categorizing art by genre defies precise measurement; it remains highly personal, and inevitably spark debates resulting in unclear classifications. It's understandable that cinema institutions don’t do it. Yet it remains an essential concession within the realm of gaming, that demonstrate such variety they barely qualify as a single art form.
For the full spectrum of interactive entertainment excellence to receive acknowledgment, while allowing diverse titles to compete fairly, genre categories are essential.
Existing Game Classification System
The major gaming awards currently feature classifications covering Action-oriented games, Action/Adventure, RPG experiences, Combat games, Simulation and strategy titles, and Sports/Racing games. Collectively, these award types actually cover numerous genres, making space possible accommodating various experiences.
This doesn't apply to logic-based experiences. There’s simply nowhere to put them. Examine these examples from this year’s best games, each quite distinct: structural challenges of one title, the pulse-pounding block-matching in a different title, engaging interpersonal challenges in another game. Which classification works within current classifications? Nowhere, that’s where.
Recognition Challenges
Numerous examples exist of brilliant puzzle games launched regularly without proper recognition during gaming ceremonies, if they accidentally match award groups including Handheld titles, Virtual reality experiences, or the extremely competitive small studio competitions.
- An iconic brain-teaser received no recognition in any category during that awards season
- Another creative title missed out in 2019
- A beloved organization game received no acknowledgment that year
- Only a few puzzle games managed to sneak into small studio or handheld classifications
Importance of Logic Titles
Commonly they're modest productions, yet the craft behind logic titles carries substantial weight. Famous handheld logic titles stand as most popular titles in the world and have been for an extended period.
The famous puzzle experience rivals well-known building titles competing to become most purchased experience; it’s also in the running as greatest title ever. Puzzle games are foundational within interactive entertainment, while interacting with almost every other genre.
Proposal and Rationale
Brain-teasers wouldn't encounter that issue. One could readily select five nominees interesting, varied, worthy titles every year with ease — or rather, with difficulty, given the need to exclude many worthy titles.
To emphasize again, these include experiences that otherwise have no home at major gaming awards. Logic title developers are working at the demanding boundary game development, developing some of most fundamental forms within interactive entertainment. Comparable to movie stunt professionals, they deserve recognition. Let’s not keep them waiting decades.
