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Tetris Didn't Succeed at The Game Awards — Another Award Type Could Fix That

As any significant awards ceremony draws close, one notices a demand for the addition additional classifications to acknowledge overlooked contributions and fill the spirits of followers with niche passions.

Another commentator previously argued supporting a scary games classification. It would be amazing. The same goes for tabletop games, this being a dedicated supporter's campaign. But they will have to forgive me if I try to elbow in front since similar to dedicated enthusiasts, I have a cast-iron argument supporting my request is the most urgent above others. Here's the proposal: There should be an award type for logic-based games.

Categorizing Game Types

Classifying creative works defies precise measurement; opinions vary greatly, and typically generate discussions resulting in unclear classifications. This explains why film award organizations avoid this approach. But it is a necessary evil for the industry of gaming, that demonstrate such variety it's challenging to consider them as a single art form.

To recognize the complete range of interactive entertainment excellence to be recognized, while allowing diverse titles to have a chance for representation, specific award classifications remain vital.

Existing Game Classification System

Prominent interactive entertainment events presently include classifications covering Action-oriented games, Adventure-action titles, Role-Playing, Combat games, Sim/Strategy, plus athletic and racing experiences. Together, these classifications effectively encompass a lot of ground, and you can find room for most games within them.

Not so for logic-based experiences. No suitable classification appears to accommodate them. Consider three of outstanding current releases, all very different: structural challenges of one title, the pulse-pounding block-matching from another release, engaging interpersonal challenges of a third title. Where could they possibly go between these six categories? Unfortunately, nowhere.

Recognition Challenges

There are dozens of brilliant puzzle games launched regularly that have no home at major award shows, unless they happen to qualify for categories like Mobile Game, VR/AR Game, and the highly challenging independent game categories.

  • A renowned logic title wasn’t nominated for anything during that awards season
  • A different innovative game received no nominations that year
  • Well-received sorting experience got ignored in 2021
  • Limited numbers of puzzle games barely qualified for small studio or handheld classifications

Value of Brain-Teasers

These are often small games, yet the craft of the puzzle game is of massive significance. Famous handheld logic titles count as the most-played games worldwide maintaining this status for an extended period.

The iconic tile-matching title competes with famous sandbox experiences for the title of best-selling game of all time; it also contends for top gaming experience. Brain-teasers form essential building blocks to the art of video games, and they are in conversation with diverse game types.

Proposal and Rationale

Brain-teasers wouldn't encounter that issue. One could readily select five nominees with fascinating, diverse, deserving games each ceremony simply — actually, with challenge, since numerous excellent numerous deserving experiences.

To emphasize again, these include experiences that otherwise have no home at major gaming awards. Brain-teaser creators are working at the demanding boundary game development, developing some of essential manifestations of gaming itself. Similar to film action specialists, they warrant appreciation. Don't make them wait decades.

The writer

Theresa Davenport PhD

Elara Vance is a digital strategist and creative director with over a decade of experience in transforming brands through innovative design and technology.

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