As any prominent prize-giving event draws close, one notices an outcry for introducing of new categories to recognize underappreciated efforts and delight the spirits of enthusiasts dedicated to specific genres.
A fellow writer made the case for a horror game category. It would be amazing. The same goes for board games, which is someone's personal cause. But they will have to forgive me if I try to elbow in front because like all blinkered fanatics, I have a cast-iron argument for why my demand remains most pressing above others. This is the request: We need a category for puzzle games.
Organizing Gaming Categories
Classifying creative works is not a science; it’s very subjective, and it will always generate discussions and end in fuzzy definitions. It's understandable that cinema institutions steer clear of genre categories. But it is an essential concession for the industry of interactive entertainment, that demonstrate such variety it's challenging to consider them one unified medium.
To recognize the complete range of interactive entertainment excellence to receive acknowledgment, and for games of all stripes to compete fairly, classification by type becomes crucial.
Existing Game Classification System
Leading game ceremonies currently feature classifications covering Action, Action/Adventure, Role-Playing, Fighting, Simulation and strategy titles, and Sports/Racing games. Collectively, these award types successfully include many game types, and you can find room accommodating various experiences.
Not so for puzzle games. There’s simply nowhere for their placement. Consider three of this year’s best games, each quite distinct: structural challenges of one title, fast-paced pattern recognition from another release, engaging interpersonal challenges in another game. Where could they possibly go within current classifications? Unfortunately, nowhere.
Acknowledgment Issues
Many instances occur of brilliant puzzle games published annually that have no home at major award shows, unless they happen to qualify for categories like Handheld titles, VR/AR Game, and the highly challenging Indie races.
- A renowned logic title received no recognition for anything during that awards season
- Another creative title was excluded that year
- Well-received sorting experience received no acknowledgment that year
- Limited numbers of puzzle games managed to sneak into small studio or handheld classifications
Value of Brain-Teasers
Commonly they're compact experiences, but the art of the puzzle game is of massive significance. Well-known matching games stand as the most-played games globally and have been for many years.
The iconic tile-matching title challenges well-known building titles competing to become best-selling game of all time; it also contends for best game of all time. Logic titles represent cornerstones within interactive entertainment, and they are in conversation with diverse game types.
The Solution and Justification
Puzzle games wouldn’t have this problem. It would be easy to populate five nominees engaging, different, qualified experiences each ceremony simply — perhaps, with difficulty, since numerous excellent so many good games out.
To emphasize again, these are games lacking appropriate categories during prominent ceremonies. Puzzle game makers function at the demanding boundary game development, creating some of essential manifestations of the video game form. Just like cinema stunt performers, they merit acknowledgment. Don't make them wait generations.
