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At MGS24, we had the privilege of unveiling this year’s MGA Awards winners alongside our esteemed partner, Women Championing Women. Held annually, the MGA Awards pay tribute to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the fields of mobile growth and gaming, while also pushing the boundaries of creativity, technology, and storytelling. In addition to recognizing exceptional women in the industry and welcoming new members into the Hall of Fame, we were delighted to introduce new categories celebrating the Best Mobile Game of the Year and highlighting a Publisher of the Year. It was truly gratifying to join together and celebrate the industry’s accomplishments while expanding the reach of the MGA Awards.
Overview of Categories
Women of the Year: Recognizing outstanding women in the mobile growth industry who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and impact. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, these women have paved the way for future generations and inspired change in the industry.
Hall of Fame Awards: Inducting luminaries who have left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape through their groundbreaking work and influential contributions. From visionary developers to pioneering executives, these individuals have shaped the industry and inspired countless others with their achievements.
Best Mobile Game of the Year: Celebrating the most captivating and innovative mobile games that have captivated audiences worldwide. From addictive puzzle games to immersive simulations, these titles have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible on mobile devices and provided players with unforgettable experiences.
Publisher of the Year: Recognizing the publisher who has demonstrated excellence in game development, community engagement, and innovation. From fostering creativity to pushing the boundaries of technology, this publisher has played a pivotal role in shaping the gaming landscape and bringing unforgettable experiences to players around the world.
Women of the Year
Rising Star Award Winner: Katya Frolova
Introduction: Katya Frolova, has been recognized with the Rising Star Award for her exceptional leadership and strategic prowess in the tech, entertainment, and retail industries.
About Katya: Katya’s expertise lies in developing and optimizing effective marketing strategies that drive customer engagement and retention. With a keen eye for detail and strong analytical skills, she has consistently delivered outstanding results in branding, digital media, and performance advertising.
Nominator Testimonials:
- Colleagues and clients alike praise Katya for her thought leadership and fierce loyalty. Her dedication to her clients, such as Square Enix, has earned her respect and admiration within the industry.
- Known for her hard work and prompt responses, Katya has become a trusted partner for companies looking to enhance their mobile marketing efforts.
- Katya’s ability to navigate the challenges of cross-platform marketing and advocate for pragmatic solutions has made her a sought-after expert in the field.
Champion of Women Award Winner: Olga Noha
Introduction: Olga Noha, a trailblazing CMO in the tech and SaaS sectors, has been honored with the Champion of Women Award for her exemplary leadership and dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion.
About Olga: With over 18 years of experience, Olga has built and scaled high-impact marketing engines, driving revenue and amplifying brand awareness for international companies. She is renowned for her expertise in creating innovative go-to-market strategies and her commitment to empowering women in the workplace.
Nominator Testimonials:
- Colleagues commend Olga for her unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and mentoring women in the workplace. Her leadership at SplitMetrics has led to over 50% of female employees, showcasing her dedication to inclusivity.
- Olga’s influence extends beyond her immediate workplace, as she actively participates in events and initiatives to support women in their careers.
- Recognized as The Global CMO of the Year and among the Top B2B Marketing Influencers, Olga’s contributions have had a significant impact on the industry, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
Leader of the Year Award Winner: Caroline Hubbard
Introduction: Caroline Hubbard, an exceptional product leader, has been named Leader of the Year for her exceptional ability to drive tangible results and innovate in the field of product management.
About Caroline: With a diverse background in product management and strategy, Caroline has consistently delivered results that have significantly impacted the growth trajectory of companies. Her strategic vision and innovative approach have led to measurable outcomes, including substantial revenue increases and product optimizations.
Nominator Testimonials:
- Colleagues praise Caroline for her leadership and dedication to achieving results. Her track record of delivering significant revenue increases and driving complex projects underscores her proficiency as a leader.
- Caroline’s ability to lead cross-functional teams and execute complex initiatives with precision has set her apart as a standout candidate for Leader of the Year.
- Known for her analytical rigor and creative thinking, Caroline’s contributions to the field of product management have been nothing short of exceptional.
Product Leader of the Year Award Winner: Jane Smorodnikova
Introduction: Jane Smorodnikova, a visionary entrepreneur and scientist, has been recognized as the Product Leader of the Year for her work in AI, neurophysiology, and biohacking.
About Jane: As CEO of Welltory, Jane has led the development of a leading biomarker analytics app, empowering millions of users worldwide to manage their health and well-being. Her mission to make a statistically significant impact on 100 million people exemplifies her dedication to leveraging technology for positive change.
Nominator Testimonials:
- Jane’s remarkable achievements at Welltory, including reaching $14 million in Annual Recurring Revenue and maintaining 100% year-over-year revenue growth, highlight her strategic vision and operational excellence.
- Her innovative use of AI technologies within Welltory has set a benchmark for future female leaders in technology, driving efficiency and fostering innovation.
- Jane’s balanced approach to team care, scientific healthcare, and consistent profitability exemplifies her leadership and sets her apart as a deserving recipient of the Product Leader of the Year award.
Hall of Fame
Kate Edwards
Introduction: Kate Edwards, a trailblazer in the gaming industry, has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for her pioneering work in culturalization and advocacy for a more inclusive game industry.
About Kate: With a career spanning over 30 years, Kate has left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. As CEO and Founder of Geogrify, she pioneered content culturalization, ensuring that games are culturally relevant and respectful to diverse audiences worldwide. Her leadership at SetJetters, a mobile app connecting film tourists to filming locations, further demonstrates her commitment to innovation and community engagement.
Nominator Testimonials:
- Kate’s tenure as Executive Director of the International Game Developers Association and the Global Jam showcased her dedication to fostering collaboration and diversity within the gaming community.
- Recognized with numerous awards, including the Ambassador Award at the Game Developers Choice Awards and induction into the Women in Games Hall of Fame, Kate’s impact on the industry is undeniable.
- Beyond her professional achievements, Kate’s passion for travel and cosplay exemplifies her creativity and zest for life.
Rick Liu
Rick Liu, a seasoned expert in artificial intelligence, consumer technology, and blockchain, has been honored with induction into the Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to the tech industry.
About Rick: With over 25 years of experience, Rick has held executive positions at leading companies such as GungHo’s PlayPhone and NativeX. His expertise in deep tech investments and next-generation video streaming blockchain technologies has shaped the future of the industry. From his early days at Intel to his advisory roles with Cornucopia Investment Partners and Theta, Rick’s influence spans across generations of technological innovation.
Nominator Testimonials:
- Rick’s leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in the success of companies like Gameview Studios and AppLovin, demonstrating his ability to drive growth and profitability.
- As an advisor and mentor, Rick’s insights and guidance have inspired countless entrepreneurs and innovators in the tech space.
- Rick’s academic background, including degrees from Columbia University, Stanford University, and The Wharton School, reflects his commitment to continuous learning and advancement in the field.
Noah Falstein
Introduction: Noah Falstein, a luminary in the gaming industry, has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for his unparalleled contributions to game design and development.
About Noah: With a career spanning over four decades, Noah has played a pivotal role in shaping some of the most iconic games in history. From his early days at Lucasfilm Games/LucasArts to his tenure as Chief Game Designer at Google, Noah’s creative vision and technical expertise have set him apart as a true innovator. As an esteemed lecturer and mentor, he continues to inspire the next generation of game developers and designers.
Nominator Testimonials:
- Noah’s influential contributions to games like Sinistar, The Secret of Monkey Island, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade have solidified his legacy as a pioneer in the industry.
- His tenure at Google showcased his ability to push boundaries and deliver groundbreaking gaming experiences on a global scale.
- Noah’s dedication to sharing knowledge and insights with aspiring game developers through his lectures and workshops reflects his commitment to fostering innovation and creativity in the gaming community.
Brian Gilbert
Introduction: Brian Gilbert, a seasoned leader in analytics and advertising, has been inducted into the Hall of Fame Awards for his exceptional contributions to programmatic operations and digital media management.
About Brian: With over 15 years of experience, Brian has led programmatic operations at major companies like Pandora and SiriusXM. His expertise in leveraging data, technology, and creativity has enabled him to deliver engaging and personalized experiences for millions of listeners and advertisers.
Nominator Testimonials:
- Brian’s leadership in programmatic operations has been instrumental in driving growth and success in the digital media landscape.
- His track record of creating engaging and personalized experiences for listeners and advertisers showcases his commitment to delivering excellence.
- Brian’s dedication to learning, growing, and contributing to the success of the programmatic industry makes him a deserving recipient of the Hall of Fame Award.
Best Mobile Game of the Year: Good Pizza Great Pizza by TapBlaze
Introduction: Good Pizza, Great Pizza by TapBlaze has been awarded the prestigious title of Best Mobile Game of the Year at the MGA Awards 2024. This wholesome, story-driven cooking business simulator has captured the hearts of millions worldwide with its unique blend of time management, puzzle-solving gameplay, and engaging storyline.
About the Game: In Good Pizza, Great Pizza, players embark on a culinary adventure as they manage their own pizzeria, decipher complex orders, upgrade equipment, and experiment with new toppings. With over 300 million downloads and 1.3 million daily players, the game has gained international popularity, reaching the top charts in multiple countries, including China, Italy, and Egypt.
Nominator Testimonials:
- Good Pizza, Great Pizza, captures the essence of running a pizzeria while keeping players entertained for hours on end. Its international success is a testament to its broad appeal and addictive gameplay.
Publisher of the Year: Roblox
Introduction: Roblox, the revolutionary platform reimagining the way people come together to create, play, and connect, has been named Publisher of the Year at the MGA Awards 2024. With an impressive user base of 71.5 million daily active users and 15.5 billion engagement hours, Roblox has solidified its position as a leader in the gaming industry.
About the Publisher: Roblox offers a unique experience, allowing users to not only play games but also create and share their own experiences with a community of over 2.4 million developers. With its innovative platform and tools, Roblox is reshaping the way people interact and collaborate in the digital world.
Nominator Testimonials:
- Roblox’s commitment to fostering creativity and collaboration has made it a standout publisher in the gaming industry. With millions of active developers and experiences, Roblox is truly reimagining the way people come together to create, play, and explore.
- Roblox’s user-centric approach and dedication to innovation have set it apart as a leading publisher in the gaming landscape. Its platform empowers users to unleash their creativity and build immersive experiences, fostering a vibrant community of gamers and creators.
