Applications are now being accepted for a $10,000 scholarship designed to encourage women into game development.

The G.I.R.L - Gamers in Real Life - competition is sponsored by Sony Online Entertainment.

The contest is the first of its kind and Sony hopes it will encourage American students toward career paths in the field of video game design and production, ultimately resulting in the development of games that will draw a female audience.

"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 VP of global sales and marketing at 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 after interviewing female students currently enrolled in Game Art & Design, Visual & Game Programming and Visual Effects & Motion Graphics programmes.

It found 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; and 31% of those surveyed want to become involved in gaming because more women need to represent the industry.

Entrants must be currently enrolled at one of The Art Institutes' schools in the US, and have a graduation date of June 2009 or later.

Entrants are required to complete an online application and submit an in-game design, concept art and two essays.

Online applications must be completed on or before 15 April 2008.

The winner will not only bag $10,000 towards tuition but also a paid internship of up to 10 weeks at one of the Sony Online Entertainment studios located in Austin, Denver, San Diego and Seattle.

>> Link - Application and rules of entry