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Tetris Didn't Succeed at The Game Awards — An Additional Classification Could Fix That

Each time a prominent prize-giving event nears, one notices a demand to include of new categories to acknowledge overlooked contributions and satisfy the spirits of enthusiasts with niche passions.

Another commentator previously argued for a horror game category. That would be fantastic. Equally deserving are tabletop games, this being a passionate advocate's mission. However, I must insist when I prioritize since similar to dedicated enthusiasts, there's a strong justification supporting my request remains most pressing and important of all. Here's the proposal: There should be an award type for logic-based games.

Organizing Gaming Categories

Organizing artistic expressions isn't exact; opinions vary greatly, and it will always generate discussions concluding with vague boundaries. This explains why film award organizations steer clear of genre categories. However, it represents an unavoidable compromise for the industry of interactive entertainment, showing incredible range they barely qualify as a single art form.

For the full spectrum of gaming accomplishments to receive acknowledgment, and for games of all stripes to compete fairly, specific award classifications remain vital.

Present Award Structure

Leading game ceremonies currently feature classifications covering Action, Action/Adventure, Role-Playing, Fighting, Sim/Strategy, plus athletic and racing experiences. Between them, these award types actually cover numerous genres, and you can find room accommodating various experiences.

Different situation exists for puzzle games. There’s simply nowhere for their placement. Think about these this year’s best games, each quite distinct: the architectural riddles in a particular game, intense tile-matching in a different title, thought-provoking social scenarios from additional release. Where could they possibly go between these six categories? Simply put, no category fits.

Acknowledgment Issues

Numerous examples exist of brilliant puzzle games released every year without proper recognition in entertainment awards, unless they happen to qualify for categories like Mobile Game, Virtual reality experiences, or the intensely contested independent game categories.

  • One classic puzzle game got overlooked in any category in 2014
  • Another creative title was excluded in 2019
  • A beloved organization game was overlooked recently
  • Just some logic titles managed to sneak into independent or mobile categories

Value of Brain-Teasers

Frequently they represent modest productions, but the art of the puzzle game is of massive significance. Well-known matching games rank among most popular titles globally maintaining this status for over a decade.

The iconic tile-matching title rivals famous sandbox experiences competing to become most purchased experience; it additionally competes for top gaming experience. Brain-teasers form essential building blocks within interactive entertainment, and they are in conversation across multiple categories.

Proposal and Rationale

Logic titles wouldn't face this problem. One could readily select a field of five engaging, different, qualified experiences each ceremony simply — perhaps, with difficulty, given the need to exclude so many good games out.

To emphasize again, these represent titles that otherwise have no home at major gaming awards. Logic title developers operate at the hard edge of video game design, creating some of essential manifestations of the video game form. Similar to film action specialists, they merit acknowledgment. Let’s not keep them waiting generations.

Written by

Chelsea Edwards

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering UK startups and digital transformation.

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