Google Play has teamed up with Girls Make Games and the ESA foundation to launch the Change the Game Design Challenge in an effort to encourage female teenagers to try games development.
The design challenge is fronting up a $10,000 college scholarship alongside a $15,000 pledge for the winner’s school or community centre technology program. Five finalists will be selected in June and will receive an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles to attend E3 and show off their design.
Grand designs
Launched last year, Google’s Change the Game scheme aims to, ‘Empower and celebrate women players and creators’ and tackle the gender disparity within the games industry.
As a part of the scheme, Google Play highlighted apps and games made by women earlier this month to celebrate International Women’s Day. Apps highlighted included 80 Days, Zen Koi 2, Race for the Galaxy and Kami 2. Google also partnered with YouTube influencers OMGItsFireFoxx, CyberNova, Gloom and Rosanna Pansino on videos sharing their personal stories of getting into games.
The contest is open to US residents only but you can find out more here.