Tetris Wouldn't Succeed at The Game Awards — Another Award Type Might Solve This

Whenever a major awards ceremony nears, there’s always a demand for the addition additional classifications to acknowledge underappreciated efforts and fill the spirits of enthusiasts dedicated to specific genres.

A fellow writer made the case supporting a scary games classification. That would rule. So would strategy board titles, this being a passionate advocate's mission. But they will have to forgive me if I try to elbow in front because like all dedicated enthusiasts, I have a cast-iron argument supporting my request stands as crucial and significant. Here's the proposal: We need a classification for brain-teasing titles.

The Genre Classification Challenge

Organizing artistic expressions defies precise measurement; it’s very subjective, and typically spark debates resulting in unclear classifications. This explains why cinema institutions avoid this approach. But it is an unavoidable compromise within the realm of video games, which are so diverse they hardly constitute one unified medium.

For comprehensive acknowledgment of achievement in video games to gain proper attention, while allowing diverse titles to compete fairly, classification by type becomes crucial.

Existing Game Classification System

Prominent interactive entertainment events presently include award types recognizing Action, Action/Adventure, RPG experiences, Fighting, Simulation and strategy titles, and Sports/Racing games. Between them, these award types effectively encompass a lot of ground, and you can find room accommodating various experiences.

Not so for logic-based experiences. No suitable classification appears for their placement. Examine these examples from this year’s best games, all very different: the architectural riddles of one title, fast-paced pattern recognition of another game, thought-provoking social scenarios from additional release. Where could they possibly go within current classifications? Unfortunately, nowhere.

Recognition Challenges

Numerous examples exist of brilliant puzzle games published annually without proper recognition in entertainment awards, except when they manage to fit for categories like Handheld titles, Virtual reality experiences, or the extremely competitive Indie races.

  • A renowned logic title wasn’t nominated for anything during that awards season
  • Another creative title received no nominations during that ceremony
  • Popular arranging title received no acknowledgment in 2021
  • Limited numbers of puzzle games scraped into independent or mobile categories

Importance of Logic Titles

Frequently they represent compact experiences, however the design in brain-teasers is of massive significance. Iconic mobile puzzle games stand as most popular titles globally maintaining this status for an extended period.

The legendary block-stacking game rivals famous sandbox experiences for the title of most purchased experience; it’s also in the running as greatest title ever. Brain-teasers form essential building blocks to the art of video games, and engaging across multiple categories.

The Solution and Justification

Puzzle games wouldn’t have such difficulty. One could readily select five nominees engaging, different, qualified experiences annually without trouble — or rather, with difficulty, given the need to exclude numerous deserving experiences.

And to reiterate, these represent titles that otherwise have no home during prominent ceremonies. Puzzle game makers are working at the challenging frontier of video game design, developing some of the purest expressions of gaming itself. Just like movie stunt professionals, they deserve recognition. We shouldn't delay generations.

Mr. Roberto Perry
Mr. Roberto Perry

A passionate writer and tech enthusiast sharing insights on digital innovation and everyday life.