Skip to content
Discover the latest in music with SpinStream NZ. Read in-de…

Tetris Couldn't Succeed at This Gaming Ceremony — A New Category Could Fix That

Whenever a significant prize-giving event nears, one notices a clamor for introducing additional classifications to acknowledge overlooked contributions and delight the spirits of followers dedicated to specific genres.

Another commentator made the case supporting a scary games classification. That would rule. So would strategy board titles, this being a dedicated supporter's campaign. However, I must insist for pushing forward because like all dedicated enthusiasts, I have a cast-iron argument backing this proposal is the most urgent and significant. The demand is this: We need an award type for logic-based games.

Organizing Gaming Categories

Classifying creative works isn't exact; opinions vary greatly, and typically generate discussions concluding with vague boundaries. There’s a reason movie academies don’t do it. However, it represents an essential concession within the realm of gaming, showing incredible range it's challenging to consider them one unified medium.

For the full spectrum of gaming accomplishments to receive acknowledgment, and to ensure all game types to have a chance for representation, specific award classifications remain vital.

Existing Game Classification System

Prominent interactive entertainment events currently feature genre categories for Action-oriented games, Adventure-action titles, RPG experiences, Fighting, Sim/Strategy, and Sports/Racing games. Collectively, these classifications actually cover numerous genres, and you can find room accommodating various experiences.

Different situation exists for puzzle games. No appropriate category exists for their placement. Think about these outstanding current releases, showing diverse approaches: the architectural riddles of one title, fast-paced pattern recognition from another release, and the sweetly sociological logic puzzles from additional release. Where could they possibly go within current classifications? Simply put, no category fits.

Recognition Challenges

Many instances occur of brilliant puzzle games published annually without proper recognition at major award shows, unless they happen to qualify for categories like Mobile Game, VR/AR Game, or the extremely competitive Indie races.

  • One classic puzzle game got overlooked completely that year
  • A different innovative game received no nominations that year
  • Well-received sorting experience received no acknowledgment in 2021
  • Just some puzzle games managed to sneak into niche award types

Significance of Puzzle Games

Commonly they're modest productions, yet the craft in brain-teasers is of massive significance. Well-known matching games count as most popular titles globally maintaining this status for many years.

The legendary block-stacking game challenges popular creative games competing to become highest-selling title ever; it additionally competes for best game of all time. Puzzle games are foundational for gaming as medium, while interacting with almost every other genre.

Proposal and Rationale

Logic titles wouldn't face that issue. It would be easy to populate a field of five interesting, varied, worthy titles annually without trouble — or rather, with difficulty, since numerous excellent numerous deserving experiences.

And to reiterate, these are games that otherwise have no home at major gaming awards. Logic title developers function at the demanding boundary game development, creating some of most fundamental forms within interactive entertainment. Similar to film action specialists, they warrant appreciation. We shouldn't delay 35 years.

Written by

Daniel Herrera

A passionate music journalist with over a decade of experience covering indie and mainstream artists across various genres.

SpinStream NZ

Type to search articles.