Microsoft Research Female Academic All-Stars

Microsoft Research External Research and Programs (ER&P) is seeking to sponsor ten female students majoring in computer science with a concentration in serious game development and research, to be selected for the Microsoft Female Academic All-Stars at the 2006 Serious Games Summit D.C.

The selected All-Stars will be invited to convene during lunch, where they will discuss the issues surrounding female game developers and learn about career opportunities in the field. In addition, the All-Stars will be able to attend more than sixty sessions, lectures, and roundtable discussions at SGS D.C. They will learn about key issues affecting the marketplace, get a sneak peek at upcoming serious games, and enjoy the opportunity to network with peers in the serious games community.

The deadline for applications is Sept. 27, 2006.

Women In Games International Adds More Speakers – September 16, Seattle, WA

Women In Games International recently added more speakers to their next regional conference, "The Balancing Act: Game Industry Careers and Quality of Life.” Scheduled on Saturday, September 16 at the Microsoft campus in Redmond, WA, this half-day conference includes panels, roundtable discussions and a networking reception. Bonnie Ross, Director of Production for Microsoft Game Studios, presents the keynote address, “Quality of Life and the Successful Game Industry Career.” Other speakers include senior representatives from Nokia, Real Networks, Ubisoft, Sony Online, Electronic Arts, Relic, Zipper Interactive, LimeLife, Amaze Entertainment, DigiPen and more. To register online, visit www.womeningamesinternational.org.

Get the Girls into the Game

PR:

Since the professional PC gaming scene is largely male-dominated, the “Get the Girls into the Game” contest asks gamers of either gender to nominate a female friend as a potential winner, explaining why she would benefit from a weekend of practice with pro gamers. The winning nominee and one companion (also female) will win a weekend trip to Sweden, travel and accommodation expenses paid, and receive free gaming tuition from the girlz 0f destruction plus US$250 pocket money.

The “Get the Girls into the Game” contest runs until 10th September at the Home of Chrome website: www.girlzgaminghouse.com

To enter, gamers should submit their nominations at the website, and answer a few short questions and provide a description about why they feel their girl friends deserve the trip to the Home of Chrome. Entries will be judged on the basis of humor, originality and genuine gaming need by a panel composed of VIA staff and girlz 0f destruction team members. The contest closes on Thursday 10th September, with the prize weekend at the Home of Chrome taking place on Friday to Sunday, 22nd to 24th September 2006.