Whenever a major prize-giving event draws close, there’s always an outcry for introducing additional classifications to recognize underappreciated efforts and delight the passions of followers dedicated to specific genres.
Another commentator made the case supporting a scary games classification. It would be amazing. The same goes for strategy board titles, representing a dedicated supporter's campaign. However, I must insist if I try to elbow in front since similar to single-minded supporters, I have a cast-iron argument for why my demand is the most urgent and important of all. The demand is this: We need an award type for logic-based games.
The Genre Classification Challenge
Classifying creative works defies precise measurement; it remains highly personal, and inevitably spark debates resulting in unclear classifications. It's understandable that film award organizations steer clear of genre categories. But it is a necessary evil within the realm of interactive entertainment, showing incredible range it's challenging to consider them a single creative category.
For comprehensive acknowledgment of interactive entertainment excellence to be recognized, and for games of all stripes to receive proper recognition, specific award classifications remain vital.
Existing Game Classification System
Prominent interactive entertainment events presently include award types recognizing Action, Adventure-action titles, RPG experiences, Combat games, Sim/Strategy, and Sports/Racing games. Together, these classifications effectively encompass numerous genres, and you can find room for numerous titles.
Different situation exists for brain-teasing titles. No suitable classification appears to accommodate them. Examine these examples from outstanding current releases, each quite distinct: building puzzles in a particular game, fast-paced pattern recognition in a different title, thought-provoking social scenarios from additional release. What category would fit them between these six categories? Simply put, no category fits.
Recognition Challenges
Numerous examples exist excellent brain-teasers published annually that have no home at major award shows, unless they happen to qualify award groups including Handheld titles, Virtual reality experiences, or the extremely competitive Indie races.
- A renowned logic title wasn’t nominated in any category in 2014
- Another creative title was excluded during that ceremony
- Well-received sorting experience received no acknowledgment in 2021
- Just some logic titles managed to sneak into niche award types
Importance of Logic Titles
Commonly they're small games, but the art behind logic titles holds tremendous importance. Famous handheld logic titles count as the most-played games in the world maintaining this status for over a decade.
The iconic tile-matching title competes with well-known building titles claiming status as most purchased experience; it’s also in the running for best game of all time. Logic titles represent cornerstones to the art of video games, and they are in conversation across multiple categories.
The Solution and Justification
Logic titles wouldn't face this problem. You could fill five nominees with fascinating, diverse, deserving games each ceremony simply — perhaps, with difficulty, since numerous excellent so many good games out.
Restating the point, these include experiences that otherwise have no home at major gaming awards. Brain-teaser creators function at the hard edge game development, developing some of the purest expressions of the video game form. Just like film action specialists, they merit acknowledgment. Let’s not keep them waiting decades.
