Whenever a prominent honors show nears, 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 made the case supporting a scary games classification. That would rule. So would tabletop games, representing a passionate advocate's mission. Yet I need to apologize in advance when I prioritize just as with other blinkered fanatics, I possess a compelling case backing this proposal remains most pressing and significant. Here's the proposal: There should be a classification for brain-teasing titles.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Categorizing art by genre is not a science; it remains highly personal, and it will always generate discussions and end in fuzzy definitions. This explains why film award organizations avoid this approach. However, it represents an unavoidable compromise in the world of gaming, which are so diverse they barely qualify as a single art form.
For comprehensive acknowledgment of interactive entertainment excellence to gain proper attention, while allowing diverse titles to receive proper recognition, specific award classifications remain vital.
Existing Game Classification System
Prominent interactive entertainment events presently include classifications covering Action-oriented games, Action/Adventure, RPG experiences, Combat games, Sim/Strategy, plus athletic and racing experiences. Collectively, these award types successfully include a lot of ground, allowing placement for most games within them.
Not so for brain-teasing titles. No suitable classification appears for their placement. Examine these examples from this year’s best games, all very different: the architectural riddles of one title, fast-paced pattern recognition of another game, engaging interpersonal challenges from additional release. Which classification works among existing types? Simply put, no category fits.
The Representation Problem
Many instances occur of brilliant puzzle games launched regularly lacking appropriate categories at major award shows, if they accidentally match classification types such as Mobile Game, VR/AR Game, or the intensely contested Indie races.
- One classic puzzle game wasn’t nominated completely during that awards season
- Another imaginative release missed out that year
- A beloved organization game received no acknowledgment recently
- Just some logic titles barely qualified for niche award types
Importance of Logic Titles
Commonly they're modest productions, but the art behind logic titles carries substantial weight. Iconic mobile puzzle games stand as the most-played games in the world continuing this trend for over a decade.
The iconic tile-matching title rivals popular creative games claiming status as most purchased experience; it also contends as greatest title ever. Brain-teasers form essential building blocks within interactive entertainment, and engaging with almost every other genre.
Proposal and Rationale
Logic titles wouldn't face this problem. You could fill five nominees interesting, varied, worthy titles every year with ease — perhaps, with difficulty, because you’d have to leave so many good games out.
Restating the point, these represent titles lacking appropriate categories at major gaming awards. Puzzle game makers operate at the demanding boundary of video game design, producing among the purest expressions within interactive entertainment. Comparable to cinema stunt performers, they warrant appreciation. We shouldn't delay decades.
