Each time a major honors show nears, there’s always a demand to include of new categories to acknowledge underappreciated efforts and satisfy the passions of followers dedicated to specific genres.
Another commentator made the case for a horror game category. That would rule. So would tabletop games, which is a dedicated supporter's campaign. Yet I need to apologize in advance if I try to elbow in front because like all single-minded supporters, I possess a compelling case supporting my request is the most urgent and significant. Here's the proposal: It's essential to create a classification for brain-teasing titles.
Categorizing Game Types
Organizing artistic expressions isn't exact; opinions vary greatly, and it will always spark debates resulting in unclear classifications. There’s a reason movie academies avoid this approach. However, it represents a necessary evil for the industry of video games, which are so diverse they barely qualify as a single art form.
For comprehensive acknowledgment of interactive entertainment excellence to be recognized, and to ensure all game types to compete fairly, specific award classifications remain vital.
Existing Game Classification System
Leading game ceremonies presently include classifications covering Action-oriented games, Adventure-action titles, Role-Playing, Fighting, Sim/Strategy, and Sports/Racing games. Together, these award types actually cover numerous genres, allowing placement accommodating various experiences.
This doesn't apply to puzzle games. No appropriate category exists to put them. Consider three of recent excellent titles, showing diverse approaches: structural challenges of one title, intense tile-matching of another game, engaging interpersonal challenges of a third title. Where could they possibly go within current classifications? Simply put, no category fits.
The Representation Problem
Numerous examples exist excellent brain-teasers launched regularly that have no home during gaming ceremonies, except when they manage to fit for categories like Mobile Game, VR/AR Game, or the extremely competitive independent game categories.
- An iconic brain-teaser got overlooked completely during that awards season
- Another imaginative release received no nominations during that ceremony
- A beloved organization game got ignored that year
- Limited numbers of brain-teasers managed to sneak into niche award types
Value of Brain-Teasers
These are often modest productions, but the art behind logic titles is of massive significance. Iconic mobile puzzle games stand as most popular titles globally and have been for an extended period.
The legendary block-stacking game rivals famous sandbox experiences for the title of highest-selling title ever; it’s also in the running as greatest title ever. Puzzle games are foundational to the art of video games, and engaging with almost every other genre.
Recommendation and Reasoning
Brain-teasers wouldn't encounter that issue. It would be easy to populate a field of five with fascinating, diverse, deserving games every year with ease — or rather, with difficulty, since numerous excellent so many good games out.
To emphasize again, these represent titles without proper classification in important events. Logic title developers are working at the challenging frontier game development, producing among most fundamental forms of the video game form. Comparable to cinema stunt performers, they merit acknowledgment. Don't make them wait 35 years.
