Global judging session to be held February 25 & 26 at Helsinki’s premier games industry venue
MARSEILLE, February 18, 2019 – The International Mobile Gaming Awards (IMGA) are delighted to announce that, for the second consecutive year, the largest and longest-running global competition for mobile games will bring its jury of international experts to Helsinki to determine the winners of this year’s competition. Helsinki is the heart of the Finnish Game Industry, home to more than 100 gaming companies, and is widely considered the European capital of game design. The IMGA signed a three-year partnership agreement in 2018 with Helsinki, which secures a home for the competition’s jury through 2020.
The 15th IMGA Global judging session will be held on February 25 and 26th, 2019 at Helsinki Games Factory, Helsinki’s premier games industry coworking space and events venue. During the two days judging period, industry experts will gather from around the world to play and judge more than 100 nominated games. Together they will determine this year’s Grand Prize winner, as well as 14 category winners representing the best mobile, AR and VR games and developers of the year.
This year’s IMGA jury is comprised of a diverse cross-section of the industry and includes journalists, developers, designers, and industry executives. This year’s jury also includes a large number of female judges, which is a direct reflection of the industry’s growing efforts to eliminate the gender imbalance in STEM disciplines.
“Helsinki carries the best ecosystem for local connectedness in the world. The local gaming industry and community has contributed significantly to this success. The City of Helsinki together with the local industry are committed in keeping Helsinki region as the number one place to develop games in the years to come.” Said Tommo Koivusalo, Head of NewCo Helsinki, Economic Development City of Helsinki.
“Helsinki is where the first mobile game was created back in 1997: Snake,” added Maarten, Noyons, founder of the IMGA, “Over the last 20 years, Finland has produced many of the most influential mobile games, some of which are even past IMGA winners. Our partnership with the city will join experts from around the world with the talented professionals already present in Helsinki, and will serve to showcase the region for all those who want to join this unique hotspot of talent and expertise.”
Following the judging session in Helsinki in February, winners of the 15th IMGA will be announced in San Francisco on March 19, 2019, to coincide with GDC.
About IMGA
The IMGA is the longest standing mobile games award program started in 2004. With its long history and unique judging process, it has recognized some of the world’s most popular titles in their early days, such as Candy Crush Saga and Clash of Clans. It is the only competition that unites the industry by celebrating excellence and innovation in games.
