Over at Htlit.com, I have a short text arguing that Bejeweled is the most important game of the 2000’s (the decade, that is). (Waiting for the protests from a crowd of angry gamers.)
Viewed strictly as a game design, this probably isn’t the most enjoyable game of the decade. Neither is it the most innovative, being rather an incremental development based of a number of existing designs.What makes Bejeweled the game of the decade is its central role in the casual revolution: This game was instrumental in creating the first video game distribution channel aimed at an older and predominantly female audience (downloadable casual games), hence redefining our ideas of what a video game could be and who could play video games. Furthermore, its basic gameplay of swapping tiles to make colored matches has taken on a life of its own, now playable on cell phones and aeroplanes; as relaxed game sessions without any time pressure; packaged as a role-playing game set in a fantasy world (Puzzle Quest); as a one-minute intensive game for competing against friends (Bejeweled Blitz). That is the importance of Bejeweled: showing us how many different things video games can be, showing us that there are many ways to play, use, and enjoy video games.
Oh… you rank it above FarmVille??
Being facetious of course. You’ve always made interesting points about the casual games market. Its not exactly my cup of tea though–which is fine. That means someone of your calibre isn’t writing all the things I want to research :P
@adam Ah, I do have a post coming up about FarmVille.
But I think it’s very important to talk about these little games that no one takes seriously.
I agree and commend you for it, Jesper. Something as socially important as the uptake of this kind of game is definitely worth some academic discourse!
Dear Juul,
Congratulations on your new book!
You have explored an interesting thing, and of course things are changing over time.Now we can find many people playing games with portable instrument. It’s necessary to do in depth studies on these new players:)
i like bejewels but for some it is very good,others not so much,can;t ever get very far in the scoring,i play everyday for long hours and just can’t get anywhere with the scoreing,others get in the 3 and 4 hundred thousands…..
why is that???
Over at PopCap we’re very flattered by this, erm, “award.”
@Jason You’re welcome :)
i love the game. i played it every chance i get
As an “older” female, I couldn’t resist letting you know that I absolutely love Bejeweled! I first started playing it years ago on my Palm Pilot, but now I prefer playing the Twist version on my PC. While I also play Farmville, there’s really no comparison, however, Bejeweled is #1 as far as I’m concerned. I’m looking forward to reading your article on FV.
I like to play that game it os my farivey game
nice game
Besides pure enjoyment, the game re-ignited my musical creativity. Nothing else has held my interest for so many years. I play every chance I get, whether it is the original, version 2, Blitz, and Twist. Add that result to your study.
its cool! (: