Each time a significant prize-giving event approaches, one notices an outcry for the addition of new categories to acknowledge overlooked contributions and fill the spirits of followers who have specialized interests.
Another commentator made the case advocating for terror-themed awards. It would be amazing. So would tabletop games, which is a dedicated supporter's campaign. However, I must insist for pushing forward since similar to blinkered fanatics, I have a cast-iron argument for why my demand remains most pressing and significant. This is the request: It's essential to create a category for puzzle games.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Categorizing art by genre defies precise measurement; it remains highly personal, and typically start arguments resulting in unclear classifications. There’s a reason film award organizations steer clear of genre categories. However, it represents an unavoidable compromise for the industry of gaming, that demonstrate such variety they hardly constitute as a single art form.
For the full spectrum of interactive entertainment excellence to receive acknowledgment, and to ensure all game types to have a chance for representation, classification by type becomes crucial.
Existing Game Classification System
Leading game ceremonies presently include classifications covering Action, Action/Adventure, RPG experiences, Combat games, Sim/Strategy, plus athletic and racing experiences. Together, these six categories effectively encompass numerous genres, allowing placement for numerous titles.
Different situation exists for logic-based experiences. No suitable classification appears for their placement. Think about these this year’s best games, all very different: the architectural riddles from a specific release, intense tile-matching of another game, engaging interpersonal challenges of a third title. What category would fit them between these six categories? Unfortunately, nowhere.
Acknowledgment Issues
Numerous examples exist of brilliant puzzle games published annually without proper recognition in entertainment awards, unless they happen to qualify for categories like Mobile Game, VR/AR Game, or the intensely contested small studio competitions.
- A renowned logic title wasn’t nominated in any category that year
- Another imaginative release missed out that year
- Well-received sorting experience was overlooked that year
- Just some puzzle games scraped into niche award types
Value of Brain-Teasers
Commonly they're small games, but the art in brain-teasers carries substantial weight. Well-known matching games stand as the most-played games in the world and have been for an extended period.
The legendary block-stacking game rivals famous sandbox experiences claiming status as highest-selling title ever; it also contends as greatest title ever. Brain-teasers form essential building blocks for gaming as medium, and engaging with almost every other genre.
Recommendation and Reasoning
Brain-teasers wouldn't encounter such difficulty. One could readily select five nominees interesting, varied, worthy titles annually without trouble — perhaps, with difficulty, because you’d have to leave many worthy titles.
Restating the point, these represent titles without proper classification in important events. Logic title developers function at the demanding boundary game development, developing some of essential manifestations within interactive entertainment. Similar to cinema stunt performers, they warrant appreciation. Don't make them wait generations.
