Each time a significant prize-giving event draws close, there’s always an outcry to include of new categories to acknowledge unsung work and fill the hearts of enthusiasts dedicated to specific genres.
Another commentator has already made advocating for terror-themed awards. That would rule. The same goes for strategy board titles, this being a passionate advocate's mission. However, I must insist if I try to elbow in front since similar to dedicated enthusiasts, I possess a compelling case supporting my request is the most urgent above others. This is the request: We need an award type for logic-based games.
Organizing Gaming Categories
Categorizing art by genre isn't exact; it remains highly personal, and inevitably spark debates concluding with vague boundaries. It's understandable that movie academies steer clear of genre categories. Yet it remains an essential concession in the world of gaming, which are so diverse they hardly constitute one unified medium.
To recognize the complete range of achievement in video games to gain proper attention, and to ensure all game types to have a chance for representation, genre categories are essential.
Present Award Structure
Leading game ceremonies currently feature classifications covering Action-oriented games, Action/Adventure, Role-Playing, Combat games, Sim/Strategy, plus athletic and racing experiences. Collectively, these six categories effectively encompass numerous genres, allowing placement accommodating various experiences.
Not so for puzzle games. No suitable classification appears for their placement. Think about these this year’s best games, all very different: the architectural riddles in a particular game, intense tile-matching of another game, engaging interpersonal challenges from additional release. Where could they possibly go between these six categories? Unfortunately, nowhere.
Recognition Challenges
Numerous examples exist outstanding logic titles published annually lacking appropriate categories at major award shows, if they accidentally match award groups including Handheld titles, VR/AR Game, or the extremely competitive independent game categories.
- One classic puzzle game received no recognition in any category that year
- A different innovative game received no nominations that year
- Well-received sorting experience got ignored in 2021
- Only a few logic titles managed to sneak into niche award types
Significance of Puzzle Games
These are often modest productions, yet the craft in brain-teasers carries substantial weight. Famous handheld logic titles stand as most engaged experiences in the world and have been for an extended period.
The iconic tile-matching title challenges popular creative games 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 within interactive entertainment, while interacting across multiple categories.
The Solution and Justification
Puzzle games wouldn’t have such difficulty. One could readily select five nominees engaging, different, qualified experiences every year with ease — perhaps, with difficulty, given the need to exclude so many good games out.
And to reiterate, these are games lacking appropriate categories during prominent ceremonies. Logic title developers function at the demanding boundary interactive creation, creating some of the purest expressions of gaming itself. Comparable to movie stunt professionals, they merit acknowledgment. Let’s not keep them waiting 35 years.
