Whenever a significant honors show draws close, one notices a clamor for introducing additional classifications to honor underappreciated efforts and delight the passions of fans who have specialized interests.
Another commentator previously argued supporting a scary games classification. That would rule. The same goes for tabletop games, this being a dedicated supporter's campaign. Yet I need to apologize in advance when I prioritize since similar to single-minded supporters, there's a strong justification for why my demand remains most pressing and important of all. The demand is this: There should be a category for puzzle games.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Classifying creative works isn't exact; opinions vary greatly, and inevitably start arguments concluding with vague boundaries. This explains why movie academies steer clear of genre categories. But it is a necessary evil within the realm of video games, showing incredible range it's challenging to consider them as a single art form.
For the full spectrum of gaming accomplishments to be recognized, and to ensure all game types to have a chance for representation, classification by type becomes crucial.
Present Award Structure
Leading game ceremonies currently feature genre categories for Action-oriented games, Action/Adventure, Role-Playing, Fighting, Simulation and strategy titles, and Sports/Racing games. Together, these six categories actually cover many game types, and you can find room for numerous titles.
Not so for logic-based experiences. There’s simply nowhere to put them. Examine these examples from this year’s best games, showing diverse approaches: structural challenges from a specific release, fast-paced pattern recognition from another release, engaging interpersonal challenges in another game. Where could they possibly go within current classifications? Simply put, no category fits.
Recognition Challenges
There are dozens of brilliant puzzle games released every year without proper recognition at major award shows, except when they manage to fit classification types such as Handheld titles, Virtual reality experiences, or the extremely competitive Indie races.
- An iconic brain-teaser got overlooked completely that year
- A different innovative game missed out in 2019
- Popular arranging title received no acknowledgment in 2021
- Just some brain-teasers managed to sneak into small studio or handheld classifications
Importance of Logic Titles
Commonly they're modest productions, however the design in brain-teasers carries substantial weight. Famous handheld logic titles count as the most-played games in the world continuing this trend for an extended period.
The legendary block-stacking game rivals popular creative games claiming status as highest-selling title ever; it also contends for best game of all time. Puzzle games are foundational for gaming as medium, and engaging across multiple categories.
The Solution and Justification
Brain-teasers wouldn't encounter such difficulty. One could readily select five nominees with fascinating, diverse, deserving games every year with ease — perhaps, with difficulty, given the need to exclude so many good games out.
To emphasize again, these are games without proper classification during prominent ceremonies. Logic title developers operate at the demanding boundary of video game design, creating some of most fundamental forms of gaming itself. Comparable to film action specialists, they warrant appreciation. Don't make them wait generations.
