Oh boy, it is good to be a girl! Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) conducted a survey on women and video games. That is no news because “women & games” has been topical for 15 years already. What is interesting though is that SOE announced scholarship program with The Art Institutes designed to educate and recruit more women into the video game industry. One might say that this emphasize being a girl as invalidity. On the other hand SOE gives special benefit for girls. Take the most out of it then?!
According to SOE: “SOE G.I.R.L. Gamers In Real Life” scholarship is the first of its kind with The Art Institutes to encourage students toward career paths in the creative and applied arts, ultimately resulting in the development of games that are more interesting for women to play. The only problem is that it is only valid in the States. Find out more from the website.
Even though you might not qualify as an applicant you might be interested in hearing what their survey revealed:
* 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.
I find the results quite puzzling and a bit surprising. Personally I know quite a lot of women from the game industry but have not heard that much about problems due to male dominance. Also I would have liked to hear that 31 % want to become involved in gaming because they find the industry innovative, inspiring and full of opportunities. Or because they want to become the next Peter Molyneux or Will Wright :)
Anyhow – SOE G.I.R.L. sounds like a good opportunity, I give virtual waves for SOE!
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