Coming up for its seventh year, 2011's International Mobile Gaming Awards – more commonly known as the IMGAs – is now open for nominees, with winners set to be announced next February during Mobile World Congress.

The IMGAs highlight innovation and quality in mobile games – whether the titles in question are on smartphone platforms such as iPhone, Android or BlackBerry, or more traditional outlets like Java and Brew.

"Over the past six years, the IMGA have become the leading showcase in the mobile entertainment industry for the best and most innovative mobile games," says founder Maarten Noyons.

"Leading pioneers in the mobile games industry will be attending and speaking at this important event and several panels will allow operators, handset manufacturers, developers and publishers to exchange ideas on the future of the industry."

New found treasures

This latest round of awards comes with some additions as well.

Two new accolades are up for grabs – best sports game and most innovative game – while the event itself will be celebrated with a one day summit at 2011's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

Other awards include excellence in design, excellence in gameplay, best casual game and best real world game, as well as the operators’ choice award, the people’s choice award and the prestigious grand prix.

Developers looking to snap up their place in the Spanish sun can now register their games online at the IMGA's official website.