Each time a prominent awards ceremony approaches, one notices an outcry to include additional classifications to honor unsung work and delight the passions of fans who have specialized interests.
A fellow writer previously argued supporting a scary games classification. That would rule. So would board 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 have a cast-iron argument supporting my request stands as crucial and important of all. This is the request: There should be a category for puzzle games.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Organizing artistic expressions is not a science; opinions vary greatly, and it will always start arguments resulting in unclear classifications. It's understandable that cinema institutions steer clear of genre categories. But it is an essential concession within the realm of interactive entertainment, showing incredible range they barely qualify one unified medium.
For comprehensive acknowledgment of gaming accomplishments to receive acknowledgment, and for games of all stripes to compete fairly, classification by type becomes crucial.
Existing Game Classification System
The major gaming awards currently feature genre categories for Action, Adventure-action titles, RPG experiences, Fighting, Sim/Strategy, plus athletic and racing experiences. Collectively, these award types actually cover numerous genres, making space possible for most games within them.
Different situation exists for logic-based experiences. No suitable classification appears for their placement. Examine these examples from this year’s best games, showing diverse approaches: structural challenges in a particular game, intense tile-matching from another release, thought-provoking social scenarios of a third title. Which classification works within current classifications? Nowhere, that’s where.
Acknowledgment Issues
There are dozens of brilliant puzzle games launched regularly lacking appropriate categories during gaming ceremonies, unless they happen to qualify classification types such as Handheld titles, VR/AR Game, and the highly challenging independent game categories.
- One classic puzzle game received no recognition in any category during that awards season
- Another creative title received no nominations that year
- A beloved organization game received no acknowledgment recently
- Just some logic titles managed to sneak into niche award types
Value of Brain-Teasers
Frequently they represent modest productions, yet the craft of the puzzle game carries substantial weight. Iconic mobile puzzle games rank among most engaged experiences globally continuing this trend for an extended period.
The legendary block-stacking game challenges famous sandbox experiences claiming status as highest-selling title ever; it’s also in the running for top gaming experience. Puzzle games are foundational to the art of video games, and they are in conversation with diverse game types.
The Solution and Justification
Puzzle games wouldn’t have this problem. You could fill multiple candidates with fascinating, diverse, deserving games every year with ease — or rather, with difficulty, since numerous excellent so many good games out.
And to reiterate, these include experiences that otherwise have no home in important events. Brain-teaser creators function at the demanding boundary of video game design, producing among most fundamental forms of the video game form. Similar to cinema stunt performers, they deserve recognition. Don't make them wait generations.
