As any prominent awards ceremony draws close, there’s always an outcry to include additional classifications to acknowledge underappreciated efforts and delight the hearts of enthusiasts dedicated to specific genres.
Another commentator made the case for a horror game category. That would rule. So would board games, this being a passionate advocate's mission. Yet I need to apologize in advance if I try to elbow in front just as with other dedicated enthusiasts, I possess a compelling case backing this proposal remains most pressing above others. Here's the proposal: There should be a category for puzzle games.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Classifying creative works defies precise measurement; it remains highly personal, and it will always start arguments and end in fuzzy definitions. It's understandable that cinema institutions avoid this approach. But it is an essential concession in the world of video games, which are so diverse they hardly constitute a single creative category.
For comprehensive acknowledgment of interactive entertainment excellence to be recognized, and to ensure all game types to compete fairly, specific award classifications remain vital.
Existing Game Classification System
Leading game ceremonies currently feature award types recognizing Action-oriented games, Action/Adventure, RPG experiences, Fighting, Sim/Strategy, plus athletic and racing experiences. Between them, these six categories successfully include numerous genres, allowing placement for most games within them.
Different situation exists for brain-teasing titles. No suitable classification appears to accommodate them. Consider three of this year’s best games, each quite distinct: structural challenges of one title, intense tile-matching from another release, thought-provoking social scenarios in another game. Where could they possibly go among existing types? Simply put, no category fits.
Acknowledgment Issues
Numerous examples exist outstanding logic titles launched regularly that have no home in entertainment awards, unless they happen to qualify classification types such as Mobile Game, Virtual reality experiences, and the highly challenging Indie races.
- A renowned logic title received no recognition for anything during that awards season
- Another creative title received no nominations during that ceremony
- Popular arranging title received no acknowledgment that year
- Just some logic titles barely qualified for small studio or handheld classifications
Importance of Logic Titles
These are often compact experiences, yet the craft in brain-teasers holds tremendous importance. Famous handheld logic titles rank among the most-played games globally continuing this trend for an extended period.
The legendary block-stacking game challenges famous sandbox experiences competing to become highest-selling title ever; it’s also in the running for best game of all time. Brain-teasers form essential building blocks to the art of video games, and they are in conversation across multiple categories.
The Solution and Justification
Puzzle games wouldn’t have that issue. You could fill five nominees engaging, different, qualified experiences each ceremony simply — perhaps, with difficulty, since numerous excellent many worthy titles.
To emphasize again, these represent titles lacking appropriate categories in important events. Brain-teaser creators operate at the hard edge of video game design, producing among essential manifestations of gaming itself. Similar to cinema stunt performers, they deserve recognition. Don't make them wait decades.
