G.I.R.L. scholarship winner announced

Sony Online Entertainment has announced the winner of this year’s Gamers in Real Life (G.I.R.L) scholarship: Quinne Larsen.

Larsen, a character animation major at the California Institute of the arts, was awarded $10,000 for tuition and educational expenses, along with a ten week paid internship at SOE’s San Diego Headquarters.

The scholarhip, currently in its fifth year, was founded to encourage women to pursue careers in game development and design.

"I was over the moon when I learned that I won the G.I.R.L. scholarship," said Larsen.

"I can’t thank SOE enough for this opportunity and I look forward to furthering my passion and knowledge for video games."

Applicants were required to submit an essay on women in the games industry, and two pieces of concept art based on either Planetside 2 or Everquest II.

The judges panel included Leigh Alexander, a respected games journalist and blogger who has earned a reputation as one of the leading voices on women in games, and game art and development executives from SOE.

"Our annual G.I.R.L. program helps to pave the way for more women to excel in the video game industry," said Laura Naviaux, SOE’s senior VP of global sales and marketing.

"We were impressed with the creativity and passion shown in not only Quinne’s entry, but all the finalist entries. Every year we are thrilled to award these scholarships to young, talented students, so that they may continue to have opportunities to shape and bring diversity to our industry."

Those interested in G.I.R.L. can find more information at the scholarship’s website.