As any major prize-giving event draws close, one notices a clamor to include fresh award types to acknowledge overlooked contributions and delight the hearts of enthusiasts with niche passions.
A fellow writer made the case for a horror game category. That would rule. Equally deserving are board games, this being a dedicated supporter's campaign. But they will have to forgive me for pushing forward because like all blinkered fanatics, I possess a compelling case backing this proposal remains most pressing and important of all. This is the request: We need an award type for logic-based games.
Organizing Gaming Categories
Categorizing art by genre isn't exact; it’s very subjective, and it will always generate discussions concluding with vague boundaries. There’s a reason cinema institutions steer clear of genre categories. Yet it remains an unavoidable compromise within the realm of video games, showing incredible range they barely qualify one unified medium.
To recognize the complete range of interactive entertainment excellence to be recognized, while allowing diverse titles to have a chance for representation, genre categories are essential.
Existing Game Classification System
Prominent interactive entertainment events currently feature classifications covering Action-oriented games, Action/Adventure, Role-Playing, Fighting, Simulation and strategy titles, and Sports/Racing games. Together, these classifications effectively encompass numerous genres, making space possible for most games within them.
This doesn't apply to puzzle games. There’s simply nowhere for their placement. Consider three of outstanding current releases, all very different: the architectural riddles from a specific release, fast-paced pattern recognition in a different title, thought-provoking social scenarios of a third title. Where could they possibly go within current classifications? Nowhere, that’s where.
Recognition Challenges
Numerous examples exist outstanding logic titles launched regularly that have no home at major award shows, if they accidentally match classification types such as Handheld titles, VR/AR Game, and the highly challenging Indie races.
- An iconic brain-teaser wasn’t nominated in any category in 2014
- Another imaginative release received no nominations during that ceremony
- Popular arranging title got ignored recently
- Just some brain-teasers managed to sneak into independent or mobile categories
Importance of Logic Titles
These are often compact experiences, however the design behind logic titles carries substantial weight. Famous handheld logic titles stand as most engaged experiences globally maintaining this status for over a decade.
The legendary block-stacking game challenges well-known building titles competing to become highest-selling title ever; it’s also in the running as greatest title ever. Puzzle games are foundational to the art of video games, and engaging with diverse game types.
Proposal and Rationale
Puzzle games wouldn’t have this problem. You could fill a field of five engaging, different, qualified experiences each ceremony simply — actually, with challenge, since numerous excellent so many good games out.
Restating the point, these are games without proper classification in important events. Brain-teaser creators are working at the demanding boundary of video game design, producing among most fundamental forms within interactive entertainment. Just like cinema stunt performers, they merit acknowledgment. We shouldn't delay decades.