Each time a major prize-giving event nears, you'll find an outcry to include fresh award types to recognize underappreciated efforts and fill the spirits of fans with niche passions.
My colleague previously argued for a horror game category. That would rule. Equally deserving are tabletop games, which is a passionate advocate's mission. Yet I need to apologize in advance for pushing forward because like all dedicated enthusiasts, I possess a compelling case backing this proposal stands as crucial and important of all. Here's the proposal: We need an award type for logic-based games.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Classifying creative works defies precise measurement; it’s very subjective, and typically spark debates resulting in unclear classifications. It's understandable that film award organizations steer clear of genre categories. But it is an unavoidable compromise for the industry of gaming, that demonstrate such variety they hardly constitute a single creative category.
To recognize the complete range of interactive entertainment excellence to gain proper attention, and for games of all stripes to receive proper recognition, genre categories are essential.
Existing Game Classification System
Leading game ceremonies presently include award types recognizing Action-oriented games, Action/Adventure, Role-Playing, Fighting, Sim/Strategy, and Sports/Racing games. Collectively, these six categories successfully include a lot of ground, making space possible for numerous titles.
Not so for logic-based experiences. No appropriate category exists for their placement. Examine these examples from this year’s best games, each quite distinct: the architectural riddles of one title, the pulse-pounding block-matching in a different title, thought-provoking social scenarios in another game. Where could they possibly go among existing types? Nowhere, that’s where.
The Representation Problem
Numerous examples exist outstanding logic titles launched regularly that have no home at major award shows, unless they happen to qualify award groups including Mobile Game, Virtual reality experiences, and the highly challenging Indie races.
- One classic puzzle game received no recognition in any category in 2014
- A different innovative game received no nominations during that ceremony
- A beloved organization game was overlooked recently
- Just some puzzle games managed to sneak into independent or mobile categories
Value of Brain-Teasers
These are often compact experiences, but the art of the puzzle game carries substantial weight. Iconic mobile puzzle games count as most popular titles worldwide and have been for over a decade.
The iconic tile-matching title competes with popular creative games competing to become highest-selling title ever; it’s also in the running for top gaming experience. Logic titles represent cornerstones for gaming as medium, while interacting across multiple categories.
The Solution and Justification
Puzzle games wouldn’t have that issue. One could readily select a field of five with fascinating, diverse, deserving games every year with ease — perhaps, with difficulty, since numerous excellent numerous deserving experiences.
And to reiterate, these represent titles without proper classification during prominent ceremonies. Brain-teaser creators operate at the hard edge interactive creation, developing some of essential manifestations within interactive entertainment. Similar to film action specialists, they warrant appreciation. We shouldn't delay 35 years.
