25 in the Running for Gaming Awards

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.