The International Mobile Gaming Awards (IMGA) has revealed the 25 games
that have been shortlisted to enter into the next stage of the
competition. A record 400 submissions were received from 42 countries,
double the number of entries received last year. Almost half of the entrants originate from Europe, with the remainder
coming from Asia (30%), North America (15%) and the rest of the world
(9%).
This year saw a wide mixture of techniques, technology and concepts
being implemented, including the use of high quality 3D, advanced
connectivity features, and the integration of user-generated content.
Some games had an education element, with developers coming up with new
ways to teach foreign languages as well as dance. Real world games
(mobile games, which are played outdoors by groups of people using
localisation technology) made a debut at this years Awards, with a
research lab in Holland called TNO creating Triangler, a geometric
outdoor mobile interactive game, involving two teams of 100 players
competing in a two-hour match in a city or rural area.
Five games have been shortlisted from each of the following categories:
Best Interactive Experience; Best Use of Connectivity; Excellence in
3D; Most Innovative Game; and Best Use of Flash. A description
and images of the 25 nominees can be viewed on the IMGA website.
With the help of the Award sponsors, the nominated entrants will work
up a playable version of their game before 26 January 2007, with the
winners being announced during 3GSM in Barcelona in February.  Each
entrant is in with a chance to win a share of the $40,000 cash prize,
with the overall winner of the Grand Prix prize scooping $15,000.
The quality of the games was outstanding this year, which is
testament to the talent and vision displayed by developers all over the
globe says IMGA Managing Director, Maarten Noyons. I personally want
to thank and congratulate all entrants on making this years Awards the
most successful yet. The IMGA is all about providing developers with
the platform to showcase their games on the world stage. We are
witnessing the next generation of mobile game developers, which will
guide the direction of the industry as a whole.