IMG Awards doubles the prize money for 2006

Back in February of this year a clutch of game designers waltzed off with the inaugural IMG gongs, not to mention some rather nice cheques, for the fledgling games AR Tennis, 3D World Warriors and Monkey Pole Climb (the latter of which we recently took a closer look at).

Now the search for innovative new mobile games design is kicking off all over again, and this time there's even more at stake. In conjunction with a bevvie of corporate co-sponsors (Orange, Belle de Mai Media Park in Marseille, Auchan and the Khronos group, plus some 60 partners including fresh global supporters Adobe, Movida, Nokia, Nvidia and Texas Instruments), the IMGA has doubled the prize money to $35,000 and added an extra category.

Prospective mobile developers can now look to snag one of the $5,000 category prizes for 'Most Innovative Game', 'Best Interactive Experience', 'Excellence in 3D' or 'Best Use of Connectivity' as well as the mighty $15,000 Grand Prix.

There'll also be a separate competition for students, with leading-edge gaming handsets, opportunities to attend top-level training camps run by the biggest names in the industry, plus an all-expenses-paid trip to next year's 3GSM World Conference 2007 in Barcelona up for grabs.

We're almost tempted to enter ourselves – but sadly, as we're one of the media sponsors we're set to take a place on the judging panel, and so we're apparently disqualified. Bah!

Still, there's nothing to stop you from having a go, whether you're an eager amateur or a qualified games developer. All you need to do is put together a brief initial proposal and get it submitted by 6pm September 11th.

Should you be one of the 20 shortlisted entries announced on 20th September, you then get another four months to turn your idea into a demo ready for the final judging on January 26th next year.

The winners will be officially unveiled at a star-studded gala (well, we'll be there) at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona on February 14th – a fitting date to prove your love for mobile games.

So don't just leave that brilliant idea bouncing around your brain. Pop along to the site at www.imgawards.com or head direct to the entry form and make it reality.

Those prizes again
The Grand Prix: US $15,000
Most Innovative Game: US $5,000
Best Interactive Experience: US $5,000
Excellence in 3D: US $5,000
Best Use of Connectivity: US $5,000 Key dates
Sept 11th 6pm – CET Deadline for entries
Sept 18th – Jury gathering in Marseille
Sept 20th – Announcement of 20 nominees
Jan 26th – Deadline for nominated games
Feb 14th – Awards ceremony