Whenever a significant prize-giving event draws close, one notices a demand for introducing of new categories to acknowledge unsung work and fill the passions of fans who have specialized interests.
Another commentator previously argued for a horror game category. That would rule. So would tabletop games, which is someone's personal cause. Yet I need to apologize in advance if I try to elbow in front because like all dedicated enthusiasts, there's a strong justification backing this proposal is the most urgent and significant. The demand is this: We need a classification for brain-teasing titles.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Organizing artistic expressions is not a science; it’s very subjective, and inevitably generate discussions concluding with vague boundaries. It's understandable that movie academies avoid this approach. However, it represents a necessary evil within the realm of interactive entertainment, which are so diverse they barely qualify one unified medium.
To recognize the complete range of achievement in video games to be recognized, while allowing diverse titles to have a chance for representation, specific award classifications remain vital.
Present Award Structure
The major gaming awards offer these classifications covering Action-oriented games, Adventure-action titles, RPG experiences, Combat games, Sim/Strategy, plus athletic and racing experiences. Between them, these award types actually cover many game types, allowing placement for most games within them.
Not so for brain-teasing titles. No appropriate category exists for their placement. Consider three of recent excellent titles, each quite distinct: the architectural riddles in a particular game, the pulse-pounding block-matching of another game, thought-provoking social scenarios from additional release. Which classification works between these six categories? Unfortunately, nowhere.
Recognition Challenges
Many instances occur of brilliant puzzle games published annually that have no home at major award shows, if they accidentally match award groups including Mobile Game, VR/AR Game, and the highly challenging independent game categories.
- An iconic brain-teaser received no recognition in any category in 2014
- A different innovative game received no nominations in 2019
- Popular arranging title received no acknowledgment that year
- Only a few brain-teasers barely qualified for independent or mobile categories
Significance of Puzzle Games
Frequently they represent small games, however the design in brain-teasers carries substantial weight. Iconic mobile puzzle games rank among most engaged experiences in the world continuing this trend for over a decade.
The legendary block-stacking game challenges popular creative games claiming status as highest-selling title ever; it also contends as greatest title ever. Brain-teasers form essential building blocks within interactive entertainment, and they are in conversation with almost every other genre.
The Solution and Justification
Puzzle games wouldn’t have such difficulty. One could readily select a field of five with fascinating, diverse, deserving games annually without trouble — or rather, with difficulty, given the need to exclude so many good games out.
Restating the point, these represent titles that otherwise have no home in important events. Logic title developers operate at the demanding boundary game development, producing among essential manifestations of the video game form. Comparable to cinema stunt performers, they merit acknowledgment. Don't make them wait 35 years.
