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The Iconic Puzzle Game Couldn't Win at The Game Awards — An Additional Classification Could Fix That

Each time a significant honors show nears, you'll find a demand for introducing of new categories to recognize underappreciated efforts and satisfy the hearts of followers who have specialized interests.

Another commentator has already made advocating for terror-themed awards. It would be amazing. So would tabletop games, which is a dedicated supporter's campaign. Yet I need to apologize in advance for pushing forward just as with other single-minded supporters, there's a strong justification for why my demand is the most urgent and important of all. This is the request: We need a category for puzzle games.

Categorizing Game Types

Categorizing art by genre is not a science; it remains highly personal, and typically spark debates resulting in unclear classifications. This explains why cinema institutions steer clear of genre categories. However, it represents a necessary evil for the industry of video games, showing incredible range it's challenging to consider them one unified medium.

To recognize the complete range of gaming accomplishments to receive acknowledgment, and to ensure all game types to receive proper recognition, classification by type becomes crucial.

Present Award Structure

The major gaming awards currently feature award types recognizing Action-oriented games, Action/Adventure, RPG experiences, Fighting, Simulation and strategy titles, plus athletic and racing experiences. Between them, these classifications effectively encompass many game types, making space possible for numerous titles.

This doesn't apply to brain-teasing titles. There’s simply nowhere for their placement. Examine these examples from this year’s best games, all very different: the architectural riddles in a particular game, the pulse-pounding block-matching in a different title, and the sweetly sociological logic puzzles from additional release. Which classification works within current classifications? Nowhere, that’s where.

Recognition Challenges

Numerous examples exist outstanding logic titles published annually without proper recognition during gaming ceremonies, unless they happen to qualify award groups including Handheld titles, VR/AR Game, or the extremely competitive Indie races.

  • A renowned logic title received no recognition in any category that year
  • Another creative title missed out during that ceremony
  • Popular arranging title received no acknowledgment in 2021
  • Limited numbers of puzzle games scraped into niche award types

Importance of Logic Titles

These are often compact experiences, however the design behind logic titles is of massive significance. Famous handheld logic titles rank among most popular titles globally and have been for an extended period.

The famous puzzle experience rivals popular creative games claiming status as best-selling game of all time; it’s also in the running for top gaming experience. Brain-teasers form essential building blocks within interactive entertainment, and engaging across multiple categories.

Proposal and Rationale

Brain-teasers wouldn't encounter that issue. You could fill five nominees engaging, different, qualified experiences each ceremony simply — actually, with challenge, because you’d have to leave numerous deserving experiences.

Restating the point, these represent titles lacking appropriate categories at major gaming awards. Brain-teaser creators operate at the demanding boundary of video game design, creating some of essential manifestations within interactive entertainment. Comparable to cinema stunt performers, they warrant appreciation. We shouldn't delay generations.

About the author

Holly Nichols

A digital strategist with over a decade of experience helping brands optimize their online visibility and engagement.

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