Each time a major honors show draws close, one notices a demand for introducing of new categories to acknowledge unsung work and fill the passions of enthusiasts who have specialized interests.
Another commentator previously argued supporting a scary games classification. It would be amazing. So would tabletop games, this being a passionate advocate's mission. But they will have to forgive me for pushing forward since similar to blinkered fanatics, I have a cast-iron argument for why my demand remains most pressing and significant. The demand is this: We need a category for puzzle games.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Classifying creative works is not a science; opinions vary greatly, and typically start arguments resulting in unclear classifications. This explains why cinema institutions avoid this approach. However, it represents an unavoidable compromise within the realm of interactive entertainment, that demonstrate such variety they barely qualify a single creative category.
To recognize the complete range of gaming accomplishments to be recognized, and for games of all stripes to have a chance for representation, specific award classifications remain vital.
Current Gaming Award Categories
Leading game ceremonies offer these classifications covering Action-oriented games, Action/Adventure, RPG experiences, Fighting, Sim/Strategy, plus athletic and racing experiences. Together, these award types actually cover many game types, allowing placement for numerous titles.
Not so for puzzle games. No suitable classification appears to accommodate them. Think about these this year’s best games, each quite distinct: building puzzles from a specific release, fast-paced pattern recognition from another release, and the sweetly sociological logic puzzles of a third title. Which classification works among existing types? Unfortunately, nowhere.
Recognition Challenges
Many instances occur outstanding logic titles published annually without proper recognition at major award shows, unless they happen to qualify award groups including Handheld titles, VR/AR Game, and the highly challenging independent game categories.
- A renowned logic title received no recognition in any category in 2014
- Another imaginative release was excluded that year
- Well-received sorting experience received no acknowledgment recently
- Just some puzzle games barely qualified for niche award types
Importance of Logic Titles
Commonly they're modest productions, but the art in brain-teasers is of massive significance. Iconic mobile puzzle games stand as the most-played games worldwide maintaining this status for over a decade.
The iconic tile-matching title rivals well-known building titles competing to become best-selling game of all time; it additionally competes for best game of all time. Logic titles represent cornerstones within interactive entertainment, while interacting across multiple categories.
The Solution and Justification
Brain-teasers wouldn't encounter such difficulty. One could readily select multiple candidates interesting, varied, worthy titles annually without trouble — perhaps, with difficulty, since numerous excellent so many good games out.
Restating the point, these represent titles that otherwise have no home at major gaming awards. Brain-teaser creators are working at the hard edge of video game design, developing some of the purest expressions within interactive entertainment. Just like movie stunt professionals, they warrant appreciation. Let’s not keep them waiting 35 years.
