🔗 Share this article The Iconic Puzzle Game Didn't Win at The Game Awards — An Additional Classification Could Fix That As any significant prize-giving event nears, one notices a clamor to include additional classifications to acknowledge overlooked contributions and satisfy the passions of enthusiasts dedicated to specific genres. My colleague made the case for a horror game category. That would be fantastic. Equally deserving are board games, representing a dedicated supporter's campaign. Yet I need to apologize in advance for pushing forward because like all blinkered fanatics, I possess a compelling case supporting my request is the most urgent above others. This is the request: There should be a classification for brain-teasing titles. Categorizing Game Types Classifying creative works isn't exact; opinions vary greatly, and it will always spark debates resulting in unclear classifications. It's understandable that cinema institutions avoid this approach. But it is a necessary evil for the industry of interactive entertainment, which are so diverse they hardly constitute as a single art form. For comprehensive acknowledgment of interactive entertainment excellence to be recognized, and to ensure all game types to compete fairly, specific award classifications remain vital. Current Gaming Award Categories The major gaming awards offer these classifications covering Action, Action/Adventure, RPG experiences, Fighting, Sim/Strategy, plus athletic and racing experiences. Collectively, these six categories actually cover a lot of ground, allowing placement for numerous titles. Not so for brain-teasing titles. There’s simply nowhere for their placement. Consider three of recent excellent titles, showing diverse approaches: structural challenges in a particular game, fast-paced pattern recognition of another game, engaging interpersonal challenges in another game. What category would fit them within current classifications? Unfortunately, nowhere. Acknowledgment Issues Numerous examples exist excellent brain-teasers published annually lacking appropriate categories at major award shows, unless they happen to qualify classification types such as Handheld titles, VR/AR Game, or the intensely contested independent game categories. One classic puzzle game received no recognition in any category during that awards season Another imaginative release was excluded in 2019 A beloved organization game was overlooked in 2021 Just some logic titles barely qualified for independent or mobile categories Importance of Logic Titles Commonly they're small games, however the design of the puzzle game holds tremendous importance. Well-known matching games stand as most engaged experiences worldwide continuing this trend for many years. The famous puzzle experience competes with popular creative games claiming status as highest-selling title ever; it additionally competes as greatest title ever. Puzzle games are foundational to the art of video games, and they are in conversation with almost every other genre. Proposal and Rationale Puzzle games wouldn’t have that issue. One could readily select five nominees with fascinating, diverse, deserving games each ceremony simply — or rather, with difficulty, given the need to exclude numerous deserving experiences. Restating the point, these represent titles lacking appropriate categories at major gaming awards. Brain-teaser creators function at the hard edge game development, producing among most fundamental forms within interactive entertainment. Comparable to cinema stunt performers, they warrant appreciation. Let’s not keep them waiting decades.