Whenever a prominent awards ceremony nears, there’s always a clamor for the addition fresh award types to honor unsung work and fill the passions of fans who have specialized interests.
Another commentator previously argued for a horror game category. It would be amazing. The same goes for tabletop games, this being someone's personal cause. However, I must insist when I prioritize just as with other blinkered fanatics, I possess a compelling case for why my demand remains most pressing and significant. The demand is this: We need an award type for logic-based games.
Categorizing Game Types
Categorizing art by genre is not a science; it’s very subjective, and typically spark debates concluding with vague boundaries. There’s a reason movie academies avoid this approach. But it is an unavoidable compromise for the industry of gaming, showing incredible range they barely qualify one unified medium.
For comprehensive acknowledgment of gaming accomplishments to receive acknowledgment, and to ensure all game types to receive proper recognition, specific award classifications remain vital.
Current Gaming Award Categories
Leading game ceremonies presently include classifications covering Action-oriented games, Adventure-action titles, RPG experiences, Fighting, Sim/Strategy, plus athletic and racing experiences. Collectively, these six categories effectively encompass many game types, making space possible accommodating various experiences.
Different situation exists for brain-teasing titles. There’s simply nowhere to put them. Think about these this year’s best games, all very different: the architectural riddles of one title, fast-paced pattern recognition of another game, engaging interpersonal challenges of a third title. What category would fit them within current classifications? Unfortunately, nowhere.
Recognition Challenges
Numerous examples exist of brilliant puzzle games published annually without proper recognition in entertainment awards, unless they happen to qualify for categories like Handheld titles, Virtual reality experiences, and the highly challenging independent game categories.
- One classic puzzle game received no recognition completely in 2014
- Another creative title missed out that year
- Popular arranging title received no acknowledgment in 2021
- Limited numbers of brain-teasers barely qualified for niche award types
Significance of Puzzle Games
Frequently they represent modest productions, but the art behind logic titles carries substantial weight. Iconic mobile puzzle games count as the most-played games in the world and have been for many years.
The legendary block-stacking game challenges famous sandbox experiences for the title of highest-selling title ever; it’s also in the running for top gaming experience. Puzzle games are foundational for gaming as medium, and they are in conversation across multiple categories.
The Solution and Justification
Logic titles wouldn't face that issue. It would be easy to populate five nominees with fascinating, diverse, deserving games every year with ease — perhaps, with difficulty, because you’d have to leave many worthy titles.
And to reiterate, these are games that otherwise have no home during prominent ceremonies. Brain-teaser creators function at the hard edge game development, producing among the purest expressions of the video game form. Comparable to cinema stunt performers, they merit acknowledgment. Don't make them wait decades.
