Mobile Games University Competition winners revealed

Development community Forum Nokia has revealed the winners of its 2009 Mobile Games University Competition.

The contest challenges students to design, prototype and demonstrate new ideas for future mobile games. 44 titles were submitted by University teams from across the globe, with winners hailing from both Austria and the US.

The Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences’ submission MooLan (pictured) showcased handset accelerometer and proximity sensors as well as in-built cameras, allowing users to control a space craft with hand movements.

Meanwhile, fellow winners from the US institute Parsons The New School for Design were recognised for Weekness – a game built around SMS activity, user generated technology, and social interaction

"This competition reveals how the next-generation of game designers will help redefine the very essence of gaming by emphasising the crucial role of social communication," said David Carroll, assistant professor of media design at Parsons The New School for Design. "It signals a new era of socially intertwined games where the distinction between the producer and player are completely blurred."

"We’re thrilled to have been picked as a winner," added Bernhard Aufreiter of Upper Austria University. "We really wanted to maximise our use of handset features like sensors and camera technology – there are so many exciting innovations that can be applied to mobile games now. It has been great to have the opportunity to work with Nokia and be rewarded for our efforts. We’re looking forward to being able to network with other like-minded developers at GDC and pick up some real industry insights."

The develops of MooLan and Weekness will be attending GDC 09 to celebrate their victories. Conference attendees can find out more at the Nokia N-Gage booth, which can be found at stand 5605, in the Moscone Center’s North Hall.