Whenever a major prize-giving event approaches, there’s always a clamor for the addition of new categories to honor overlooked contributions and fill the hearts of followers dedicated to specific genres.
Another commentator previously argued advocating for terror-themed awards. That would be fantastic. So would board games, representing a passionate advocate's mission. However, I must insist when I prioritize just as with other single-minded supporters, I have a cast-iron argument for why my demand remains most pressing and important of all. Here's the proposal: There should be an award type for logic-based games.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Categorizing art by genre defies precise measurement; it’s very subjective, and typically spark debates resulting in unclear classifications. It's understandable that film award organizations don’t do it. But it is an unavoidable compromise for the industry of video games, showing incredible range they barely qualify as a single art form.
To recognize the complete range of gaming accomplishments to receive acknowledgment, and to ensure all game types to receive proper recognition, classification by type becomes crucial.
Existing Game Classification System
Leading game ceremonies currently feature genre categories for Action, Adventure-action titles, Role-Playing, Combat games, Sim/Strategy, and Sports/Racing games. Collectively, these classifications successfully include numerous genres, making space possible for numerous titles.
This doesn't apply to logic-based experiences. No appropriate category exists to accommodate them. Examine these examples from recent excellent titles, showing diverse approaches: the architectural riddles in a particular game, fast-paced pattern recognition of another game, and the sweetly sociological logic puzzles of a third title. Where could they possibly go between these six categories? Simply put, no category fits.
The Representation Problem
Numerous examples exist of brilliant puzzle games released every year that have no home in entertainment awards, if they accidentally match award groups including Mobile Game, VR/AR Game, and the highly challenging Indie races.
- One classic puzzle game got overlooked in any category that year
- A different innovative game missed out during that ceremony
- A beloved organization game received no acknowledgment recently
- Limited numbers of puzzle games scraped into small studio or handheld classifications
Importance of Logic Titles
These are often modest productions, however the design of the puzzle game is of massive significance. Iconic mobile puzzle games rank among the most-played games worldwide maintaining this status for an extended period.
The legendary block-stacking game rivals well-known building titles competing to become highest-selling title ever; it’s also in the running for top gaming experience. Logic titles represent cornerstones within interactive entertainment, and they are in conversation across multiple categories.
The Solution and Justification
Puzzle games wouldn’t have such difficulty. It would be easy to populate a field of five engaging, different, qualified experiences annually without trouble — perhaps, with difficulty, because you’d have to leave so many good games out.
To emphasize again, these include experiences that otherwise have no home at major gaming awards. Puzzle game makers are working at the demanding boundary game development, creating some of the purest expressions within interactive entertainment. Similar to cinema stunt performers, they deserve recognition. We shouldn't delay 35 years.
