As any prominent prize-giving event approaches, one notices a clamor to include fresh award types to recognize underappreciated efforts and fill the passions of fans dedicated to specific genres.
A fellow writer made the case supporting a scary games classification. That would rule. So would strategy board titles, this being a passionate advocate's mission. Yet I need to apologize in advance if I try to elbow in front since similar to single-minded supporters, I have a cast-iron argument backing this proposal remains most pressing and significant. The demand is this: There should be an award type for logic-based games.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Classifying creative works is not a science; it’s very subjective, and typically start arguments and end in fuzzy definitions. It's understandable that film award organizations steer clear of genre categories. However, it represents a necessary evil within the realm of interactive entertainment, that demonstrate such variety they barely qualify as a single art form.
To recognize the complete range of interactive entertainment excellence to receive acknowledgment, and to ensure all game types to receive proper recognition, genre categories are essential.
Existing Game Classification System
Leading game ceremonies currently feature classifications covering Action, Adventure-action titles, Role-Playing, Combat games, Sim/Strategy, and Sports/Racing games. Between them, these six categories actually cover many game types, making space possible accommodating various experiences.
Not so for brain-teasing titles. No suitable classification appears to put them. Think about these recent excellent titles, all very different: building puzzles in a particular game, fast-paced pattern recognition in a different title, engaging interpersonal challenges from additional release. What category would fit them between these six categories? Simply put, no category fits.
The Representation Problem
Many instances occur of brilliant puzzle games released every year without proper recognition at major award shows, except when they manage to fit for categories like Handheld titles, Virtual reality experiences, and the highly challenging small studio competitions.
- One classic puzzle game wasn’t nominated completely in 2014
- Another creative title missed out during that ceremony
- A beloved organization game was overlooked recently
- Only a few logic titles scraped into niche award types
Significance of Puzzle Games
Frequently they represent modest productions, but the art in brain-teasers is of massive significance. Iconic mobile puzzle games stand as the most-played games worldwide and have been for over a decade.
The iconic tile-matching title rivals well-known building titles for the title of best-selling game of all time; it’s also in the running for top gaming experience. Puzzle games are foundational to the art of video games, and engaging with diverse game types.
Proposal and Rationale
Brain-teasers wouldn't encounter that issue. One could readily select a field of five engaging, different, qualified experiences every year with ease — actually, with challenge, because you’d have to leave so many good games out.
Restating the point, these are games without proper classification at major gaming awards. Brain-teaser creators function at the hard edge interactive creation, producing among most fundamental forms within interactive entertainment. Just like film action specialists, they deserve recognition. Let’s not keep them waiting decades.
