G.I.R.L. Scholarship winner announced

Sony Online Entertainment has awarded this year's Gamers in Real Life Scholarship to a talented young concept artist.

New York-raised Esther Wu produced a series of stunning Planetside 2 concept pieces as part of her application and will use the $10,000 to help fund her degree at Savannah College of Art and Design.

She'll also spend ten weeks on a paid internship at SOE's San Diego headquarters.

“It’s exhilarating to be selected for this amazing opportunity to work alongside some of the industry’s best game artists at SOE in California,” said Wu, who aspires to work in triple-A games.

“I think this competition is important because it represents a stepping stone for artists and helps build awareness about gender in the work environment.”

“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,” SOE's Laura Naviaux said.

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

Some high resolution examples of Wu's art can be found below, with more on her Facebook page.

The G.I.R.L. Scholarship is an annual incentive program now in its sixth year.

Thanks, Massively.