Each time a prominent prize-giving event approaches, you'll find a clamor to include additional classifications to recognize overlooked contributions and fill the passions of followers dedicated to specific genres.
A fellow writer previously argued supporting a scary games classification. That would be fantastic. The same goes for tabletop games, this being a passionate advocate's mission. Yet I need to apologize in advance for pushing forward because like all dedicated enthusiasts, I possess a compelling case for why my demand stands as crucial and important of all. Here's the proposal: There should be an award type for logic-based games.
Organizing Gaming Categories
Organizing artistic expressions defies precise measurement; it’s very subjective, and typically spark debates and end in fuzzy definitions. It's understandable that film award organizations steer clear of genre categories. But it is a necessary evil for the industry of gaming, which are so diverse they hardly constitute as a single art form.
For the full spectrum of interactive entertainment excellence to receive acknowledgment, while allowing diverse titles to have a chance for representation, classification by type becomes crucial.
Present Award Structure
Leading game ceremonies currently feature genre categories for Action-oriented games, Adventure-action titles, RPG experiences, Fighting, Simulation and strategy titles, and Sports/Racing games. Together, these classifications actually cover a lot of ground, making space possible for numerous titles.
Not so for logic-based experiences. No suitable classification appears to accommodate them. Examine these examples from recent excellent titles, showing diverse approaches: building puzzles in a particular game, the pulse-pounding block-matching in a different title, and the sweetly sociological logic puzzles in another game. What category would fit them between these six categories? Simply put, no category fits.
Recognition Challenges
There are dozens outstanding logic titles published annually that have no home during gaming ceremonies, if they accidentally match classification types such as Mobile Game, Virtual reality experiences, or the extremely competitive independent game categories.
- A renowned logic title received no recognition in any category that year
- Another creative title missed out in 2019
- A beloved organization game was overlooked recently
- Only a few logic titles managed to sneak into niche award types
Significance of Puzzle Games
These are often small games, but the art of the puzzle game holds tremendous importance. Iconic mobile puzzle games rank among the most-played games in the world continuing this trend for an extended period.
The legendary block-stacking game rivals well-known building titles for the title of highest-selling title ever; it also contends for best game of all time. Logic titles represent cornerstones to the art of video games, while interacting with almost every other genre.
The Solution and Justification
Puzzle games wouldn’t have such difficulty. One could readily select five nominees interesting, varied, worthy titles every year with ease — or rather, with difficulty, given the need to exclude so many good games out.
And to reiterate, these are games lacking appropriate categories in important events. Brain-teaser creators are working at the hard edge game development, producing among essential manifestations of the video game form. Comparable to cinema stunt performers, they warrant appreciation. Let’s not keep them waiting generations.
