As any prominent honors show draws close, one notices a clamor for the addition of new categories to honor underappreciated efforts and delight the spirits of fans dedicated to specific genres.
Another commentator previously argued supporting a scary games classification. That would be fantastic. Equally deserving are tabletop games, which is a dedicated supporter's campaign. However, I must insist when I prioritize because like all blinkered fanatics, I possess a compelling case for why my demand is the most urgent and important of all. This is the request: It's essential to create an award type for logic-based games.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Categorizing art by genre defies precise measurement; it’s very subjective, and inevitably start arguments concluding with vague boundaries. There’s a reason cinema institutions avoid this approach. However, it represents an essential concession within the realm of gaming, that demonstrate such variety they barely qualify a single creative category.
For comprehensive acknowledgment of gaming accomplishments to gain proper attention, and for games of all stripes to receive proper recognition, specific award classifications remain vital.
Present Award Structure
Prominent interactive entertainment events offer these genre categories for Action-oriented games, Adventure-action titles, RPG experiences, Combat games, Simulation and strategy titles, and Sports/Racing games. Collectively, these six categories actually cover a lot of ground, and you can find room accommodating various experiences.
Different situation exists for logic-based experiences. No suitable classification appears to put them. Examine these examples from recent excellent titles, showing diverse approaches: structural challenges in a particular game, the pulse-pounding block-matching from another release, engaging interpersonal challenges from additional release. What category would fit them between these six categories? Nowhere, that’s where.
The Representation Problem
Many instances occur of brilliant puzzle games published annually lacking appropriate categories at major award shows, if they accidentally match award groups including Handheld titles, VR/AR Game, or the intensely contested small studio competitions.
- A renowned logic title wasn’t nominated in any category during that awards season
- Another creative title missed out that year
- A beloved organization game was overlooked recently
- Just some brain-teasers managed to sneak into independent or mobile categories
Importance of Logic Titles
These are often compact experiences, but the art in brain-teasers carries substantial weight. Iconic mobile puzzle games rank among the most-played games in the world maintaining this status for an extended period.
The legendary block-stacking game rivals famous sandbox experiences for the title of most purchased experience; it’s also in the running as greatest title ever. Brain-teasers form essential building blocks within interactive entertainment, while interacting across multiple categories.
The Solution and Justification
Puzzle games wouldn’t have such difficulty. You could fill multiple candidates interesting, varied, worthy titles each ceremony simply — or rather, with difficulty, since numerous excellent so many good games out.
And to reiterate, these are games without proper classification at major gaming awards. Logic title developers operate at the hard edge game development, creating some of the purest expressions of gaming itself. Comparable to movie stunt professionals, they deserve recognition. We shouldn't delay decades.
