Sony reveals G.I.R.L. scholarship winner

Sony Online Entertainment has revealed the winner of its G.I.R.L. Scholarship competition, Brooklyn New York’s Esther Wu.

The program, now in its sixth year, offers a $10,000 prize for tuition and other educational expenses to encourage young women to pursue a career in the games industry.

In addition to the scholarship, Wu will receive a ten week paid internship at SOE’s San Diego Headquarters.

"It’s exhilarating to be selected for this amazing opportunity," said Wu.

"This competition is important because it represents a stepping stone for artists and helps build awareness about gender in the work environment."

The Gamers in Real Life program asks students to submit two pieces of original art based on either Planetside 2 or Everquest 2 and an essay about women in the games industry.

Wu, a student at Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia, submitted her work based on vehicles from Planetside 2.

"As public conversation on gender issues evolves, SOE is committed to leading by example and providing talented women with relevant experience in the games industry," said Sony Online Entertainment’s senior vice president of Global Sales and Marketing Laura Naviaux.

"We urge more organizations to consider similar scholarship programs focused on encouraging these talented artists and designers – we need more women in this industry."