Each time a prominent prize-giving event draws close, one notices an outcry to include of new categories to recognize underappreciated efforts and satisfy the passions of enthusiasts with niche passions.
Another commentator has already made advocating for terror-themed awards. It would be amazing. So would tabletop games, which is someone's personal cause. But they will have to forgive me when I prioritize since similar to single-minded supporters, there's a strong justification supporting my request stands as crucial above others. Here's the proposal: We need a category for puzzle games.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Organizing artistic expressions isn't exact; it’s very subjective, and it will always generate discussions and end in fuzzy definitions. This explains why cinema institutions steer clear of genre categories. Yet it remains an unavoidable compromise in the world of video games, showing incredible range they barely qualify as a single art form.
For comprehensive acknowledgment of gaming accomplishments to gain proper attention, and for games of all stripes to receive proper recognition, genre categories are essential.
Present Award Structure
Leading game ceremonies currently feature genre categories for Action, Action/Adventure, RPG experiences, Fighting, Simulation and strategy titles, plus athletic and racing experiences. Collectively, these six categories actually cover a lot of ground, allowing placement for most games within them.
Not so for puzzle games. No appropriate category exists for their placement. Examine these examples from this year’s best games, showing diverse approaches: the architectural riddles of one title, intense tile-matching from another release, engaging interpersonal challenges of a third title. Where could they possibly go among existing types? Simply put, no category fits.
The Representation Problem
Many instances occur of brilliant puzzle games launched regularly that have no home at major award shows, unless they happen to qualify award groups including Mobile Game, VR/AR Game, or the extremely competitive small studio competitions.
- A renowned logic title received no recognition in any category during that awards season
- Another creative title missed out in 2019
- A beloved organization game got ignored that year
- Limited numbers of puzzle games barely qualified for independent or mobile categories
Importance of Logic Titles
Commonly they're modest productions, but the art behind logic titles holds tremendous importance. Famous handheld logic titles count as the most-played games globally continuing this trend for an extended period.
The legendary block-stacking game rivals popular creative games claiming status as most purchased experience; it additionally competes as greatest title ever. Brain-teasers form essential building blocks to the art of video games, and they are in conversation with almost every other genre.
Recommendation and Reasoning
Brain-teasers wouldn't encounter that issue. It would be easy to populate five nominees interesting, varied, worthy titles every year with ease — actually, with challenge, because you’d have to leave so many good games out.
Restating the point, these include experiences lacking appropriate categories during prominent ceremonies. Logic title developers operate at the hard edge interactive creation, producing among the purest expressions of the video game form. Just like cinema stunt performers, they warrant appreciation. Let’s not keep them waiting 35 years.
