::Netwoman::

G.I.R.L. Game Design Competition

G.I.R.L. Game Design Competition

From Kotaku, info on SOE's new G.I.R.L. scholarship program:

Applications are now being accepted for the 2008 G.I.R.L. Game Design Competition scholarship of up to $10,000 designed to educate and recruit more women into the field of video game production and design. Sponsored by Sony Online Entertainment LLC. (SOE) a global leader in online gaming, applications and complete rules for entry are available online at www.girl.soe.com.

The SOE G.I.R.L. - Gamers In Real Life - competition is the first of its kind to encourage students toward career paths in the field of video game design and production, ultimately resulting in the development of games that are more interesting for women to play.

"The secret is out: Females game. We're just trying to encourage more women to make the games they obviously enjoy playing, said Torrie Dorrell, Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, Sony Online Entertainment. "With the application process starting today, we're taking a concrete step towards opening the door a little wider for women who want to go into game development, and that can only help expand our industry's audience."

The SOE G.I.R.L competition was created in response to survey findings that focused on women in the field of video games. The survey interviewed female students currently enrolled in Game Art & Design, Visual & Game Programming and Visual Effects & Motion Graphics programs at The Art Institutes schools. The SOE-sponsored survey revealed that:

-61% of students surveyed believe male dominance in the industry is a deterrent to women pursuing a career in gaming
-42% of those surveyed would like to see women portrayed as leaders in video games
-35% of the students surveyed want to create more games that are fun and interesting for women to play
-31% of those surveyed want to become involved in gaming because more women need to represent the industry

posted by Netwoman @ 1:45 PM