IGN SEA - Malaysia, BoomZap Wins Big at First IMGA SEA
The longest standing mobile game awards program, the Independent Mobile Games Awards recently announced the winners of their first edition in Southeast Asia earlier this week and Malaysians had FOUR reasons to cheer. Out of the thirteen categories offered, four was won by Malaysia-based companies; followed closely by Taiwan (3) and Vietnam (2).
Studio-wise, the biggest winners were Boomzap Entertainment from the Philippines who won two awards for their submission of Legends of Callasia. Winning Best Multiplayer and Excellence in Gameplay, co-founder Chris Natsuume thanked the organizers and said he was honored to be one of the winners in the very first IMGA in the SEA region.
Malaysian developers Monsoon Lab also walked home with two awards - Best Upcoming Game and Jury's Honorable Mention for showcasing a very memorable game, Sara is Missing.
The award 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. First time organized in Asia, this edition is the perfect platform for Asian game developers to showcase their talent to be seen on the world stage.
"This was an amazing journey,” said Maarten Noyons, Founder of the IMGA. “In this region, we found amazing creativity and world-class skills. There are young teams here with a bright future ahead. These winners represent the best of the best in Southeast Asia today, with mobile games that are ready to be discovered by players worldwide."
“We are excited to see such wonderful representation from the Southeast Asian games industry, with so many amazing games,” added Hasnul Hadi Samsudin, Director of Creative Content & Technologies Division at MDEC. “The breadth of genres and stories to be found within these games is huge and unique. MDEC is grateful that a partner like IMGA has helped to unearth the best of the best from Southeast Asia. We are excited to have everyone know these winners and experience their games.” he added.
From an initial list of over 300 games submitted, the finalists were whittled down to 78 where a team of judges consisting of video game veterans, journalists and developers from all over the globe picked and choose the worthy winners.
And the list of categories and winners are:
Jury’s Honorable Mention: Sara is missing, Monsson Lab, Malaysia
Excellence in Innovation: Dark Dot, Inzen Studio, Singapore
Best Multiplayer Game: Legends of Callasia, Boomzap Entertainment, Philippines
Best Quickplay Game: Super SteamPuff, Weyrdworks, Malaysia
Guilty Pleasure: Tahu Bulat, Own Games, Indonesia
Best Meaningful Play: ChemCaper, ACE Ed-Venture Studio Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia
Excellence in Gameplay: Legends of Callasia, Boomzap Entertainment, Philippines
Excellence in Storytelling: Opus: The day we found earth, SIGONO INC., Taiwan
Best Technical Achievement: The World 3: Rise of Demon, Good net technology co. Ltd, Taiwan
Excellence in Audio: Lanota, Noxy Games Inc., Taiwan
Excellence in Visual Art & Design: Eraser: Deadline Nightmare, Hiker Games,
Vietnam
Best Upcoming Game: Sara is missing, Monsoon Lab, Malaysia
People’s Choice Award: Sky Garden: Farm in Paradise, VNG GAME STUDIOS,
Vietnam
For more information on the contest and its judging panel, head over to their official site here.
