Each time a major prize-giving event approaches, one notices an outcry for the addition additional classifications to acknowledge underappreciated efforts and fill the spirits of fans dedicated to specific genres.
Another commentator made the case for a horror game category. It would be amazing. So would board games, representing a passionate advocate's mission. Yet I need to apologize in advance when I prioritize since similar to blinkered fanatics, I have a cast-iron argument for why my demand remains most pressing above others. The demand is this: There should be an award type for logic-based games.
Categorizing Game Types
Categorizing art by genre defies precise measurement; it remains highly personal, and typically start arguments concluding with vague boundaries. It's understandable that film award organizations avoid this approach. Yet it remains an essential concession in the world of video games, which are so diverse they hardly constitute as a single art form.
To recognize the complete range of interactive entertainment excellence to be recognized, and for games of all stripes to compete fairly, genre categories are essential.
Existing Game Classification System
Prominent interactive entertainment events currently feature classifications covering Action-oriented games, Adventure-action titles, Role-Playing, Combat games, Sim/Strategy, plus athletic and racing experiences. Collectively, these classifications effectively encompass many game types, making space possible for most games within them.
This doesn't apply to brain-teasing titles. There’s simply nowhere for their placement. Consider three of this year’s best games, all very different: building puzzles in a particular game, the pulse-pounding block-matching in a different title, engaging interpersonal challenges of a third title. What category would fit them among existing types? Unfortunately, nowhere.
The Representation Problem
There are dozens of brilliant puzzle games released every year without proper recognition in entertainment awards, if they accidentally match classification types such as Handheld titles, Virtual reality experiences, and the highly challenging independent game categories.
- One classic puzzle game got overlooked completely in 2014
- A different innovative game was excluded during that ceremony
- Popular arranging title got ignored in 2021
- Limited numbers of puzzle games barely qualified for niche award types
Importance of Logic Titles
Frequently they represent modest productions, but the art behind logic titles is of massive significance. Iconic mobile puzzle games count as the most-played games globally continuing this trend for an extended period.
The iconic tile-matching title competes with well-known building titles claiming status as highest-selling title ever; it also contends as greatest title ever. Brain-teasers form essential building blocks within interactive entertainment, and they are in conversation across multiple categories.
The Solution and Justification
Logic titles wouldn't face this problem. It would be easy to populate a field of five interesting, varied, worthy titles annually without trouble — actually, with challenge, because you’d have to leave many worthy titles.
Restating the point, these are games lacking appropriate categories at major gaming awards. Brain-teaser creators function at the hard edge of video game design, producing among essential manifestations of gaming itself. Just like film action specialists, they merit acknowledgment. Don't make them wait 35 years.
