Q: I want to develop a mobile game based on the character of Dr. Snuggles, but I can't get permission from the owners of that character. Can I still send in my game?
A: No, you can't enter this game without permission from the owners of the IP. You need to obtain their permission to enter the IMGA competition. They should also be aware of the fact that if the game is nominated, we will promote the game worldwide in the context of the IMGA campaign.

Q: Who owns the IMGA?
A: The owner of the IMGA is NCC, a consultancy company in Marseilles, France. The Awards are run with a steering committee consisting of the IMGA sponsors.

Q: I saw that IMGA received 400 entries from 50 countries last year. How many do you expect this year?
A: The competition is growing very fast, but this year the entry procedure requires a little bit more time; we require a video file in addition to the three pictures and description and we are only allowing unpublished games to be entered. We would be very happy if we get the same number of entries this year.

Q: We are developing games for WIPI can we participate?
A: Yes. Flash, Java, Symbian, WiPi, Brew, I-Mode etc. IMGA is platform independent. Of course the games need to be playable on mobile devices.

Q: We are a Russian company, based in Minsk, can we participate?
A: Yes, the contest is international, so wherever you are, you can submit a game by using the on-line entry form at www.imgawards.com.

Q: We are developing games for PC and want to enter one of our PC games, can we participate?
A: No, we are only looking for mobile games.

Q: We are based in Thailand and won't be able to come to Barcelona for the Awards, can we still participate?
A: Yes, of course, but if you are nominated, please designate a person who can accept the Award in your name in case your entry wins one of the IMGA prizes.

Q: I don't know anything about mobile games, but I think I have a great idea, can I participate?
A: Yes, but be aware that you are competing with the rest of the world and with very skilled mobile game developers. But if your idea is excellent, you could still stand a chance of winning.

Q: I have a great mobile game that is available through T-Mobile live. Can I participate?
A: No, the competition is only for un-published games.


Q: My game is in development, we are working on a pilot, can we send in a description and a few screen shots?
A: Yes, you can submit a pre-pilot or a pilot. Refer to the guidelines for our minimum requirements. In addition to the three screenshots, you need to send in a video or an animation showing the game play.

Q: I have developed a game with a character that is developed by another company. Can I still participate?
A: Yes, you can if you obtain permission from that company to enter the competition. If you can't get permission, you can't participate.

Q: We are developing games with our own engine and middleware. Can we participate?
A: Yes, as long as the game works on a regular mobile device you can. If the game you develop is not intended for mobile devices that are available on the market, you cannot participate.

Q: We are developing games for the i-phone, can we participate?
A: Sure you can.

Q: If our game is chosen, are we required to submit an actual handset with the game for the jury to play? In place of the handset, can we submit a video for the game play since our connected games only connect on U.S. wireless networks?
A: If necessary, you can send us your game installed on a device, which we will return after the Award Ceremony in person or by post. Otherwise, in case of connectivity issues, please send us a demo video explicitly showing the game play: i.e. someone playing your game.

Q: If you really need the game to actually demo on a handset, do you have any judges in the U.S. who can be assigned to judge games to avoid the connectivity problem?
A: It is not possible for us to split the judging session. It will be held in Marseille, France, in October. Please refer to the response above.

Q: Is it ok if we send you jar and jad files instead of mobile phone? If yes what is your testing mobile phone model?
A: Yes of course you can email us your apps available on Nokia phones (S60, Nseries)

Q: I don't want my entry to be seen by publishers or operators, but I do not mind to showing it to a professional jury. How can you assure me of your confidentiality?
A: All entrants have the right to ask for confidentiality. In that case the entry will not be used for promotional purposes and will only be seen by the jury. All jury members are tied by a confidentiality agreement.

Q: I don't want you to publish any information about my game without my permission. Can you guarantee that you won't?
A: On the entry form we ask you if you give us permission to use your material for promotional purposes. If you have stated that you do not give us that permission, we will not use the material. However, if you do give us your permission we will send your material to the press and will do our best to have your credits published.

Q: What is the difference between the 2007 edition and the 2008 edition?
A: The differences between 2007 and 2008 are as follows: One new category: - The International Mobile Gaming Best Real World Game (new) One category disappeared: - The International Mobile Gaming Awards Best Licensed IP-based Game

Q: We have designed a location based game but it only works in Japan, can we enter the competition?
A: Yes you can. If your game is nominated, you will need to show in a short video how the game works, so the jury can evaluate the game.

Q: We have developed a location based game but we are not sure whether it is going to work technically. Can we still enter the competition?
A: Yes you can enter the competition with a concept, a good description and a video explaining the gameplay. If your game is nominated however, you will need to send in a working demo or a video of a working demo before January 31st 2009.


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