Whenever a prominent prize-giving event draws close, there’s always an outcry for introducing of new categories to recognize overlooked contributions and satisfy the spirits of enthusiasts with niche passions.
A fellow writer made the case for a horror game category. That would rule. The same goes for strategy board titles, representing a passionate advocate's mission. Yet I need to apologize in advance when I prioritize just as with other dedicated enthusiasts, I have a cast-iron argument backing this proposal is the most urgent and significant. Here's the proposal: There should be a category for puzzle games.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Classifying creative works is not a science; it remains highly personal, and inevitably start arguments resulting in unclear classifications. It's understandable that film award organizations don’t do it. But it is an unavoidable compromise in the world of gaming, which are so diverse they barely qualify a single creative category.
For comprehensive acknowledgment of interactive entertainment excellence to be recognized, and for games of all stripes to compete fairly, specific award classifications remain vital.
Current Gaming Award Categories
The major gaming awards currently feature classifications covering Action, Adventure-action titles, RPG experiences, Combat games, Simulation and strategy titles, plus athletic and racing experiences. Together, these award types actually cover numerous genres, and you can find room for most games within them.
Different situation exists for brain-teasing titles. No suitable classification appears to put them. Consider three of outstanding current releases, showing diverse approaches: the architectural riddles in a particular game, fast-paced pattern recognition in a different title, thought-provoking social scenarios in another game. Which classification works between these six categories? Unfortunately, nowhere.
Recognition Challenges
Numerous examples exist outstanding logic titles launched regularly lacking appropriate categories at major award shows, except when they manage to fit award groups including Handheld titles, VR/AR Game, and the highly challenging small studio competitions.
- One classic puzzle game got overlooked in any category in 2014
- Another creative title missed out during that ceremony
- Well-received sorting experience received no acknowledgment recently
- Limited numbers of brain-teasers managed to sneak into small studio or handheld classifications
Significance of Puzzle Games
Commonly they're small games, however the design of the puzzle game holds tremendous importance. Well-known matching games stand as the most-played games in the world and have been for an extended period.
The iconic tile-matching title rivals famous sandbox experiences claiming status as highest-selling title ever; it additionally competes for top gaming experience. Brain-teasers form essential building blocks to the art of video games, and engaging across multiple categories.
Recommendation and Reasoning
Logic titles wouldn't face this problem. One could readily select a field of five interesting, varied, worthy titles annually without trouble — actually, with challenge, since numerous excellent many worthy titles.
To emphasize again, these are games without proper classification in important events. Logic title developers operate at the hard edge interactive creation, developing some of essential manifestations within interactive entertainment. Comparable to cinema stunt performers, they warrant appreciation. We shouldn't delay 35 years.
