We’re pleased to announce the winner of the 2011 Game Design Expo Women in Games Scholarship!

The scholarship, now in its third year, was announced at the Friday, April 30th industry event celebrating the opening of the VFS Game Design campus at 88 Pender Street. Mayor Gregor Robertson was in attendance for opening remarks and to cut the red ribbon, before taking an “open house tour with industry stars.” (Mayor Robertson’s earliest memory of gaming? Super Pong.)

This year’s winner, announced by Bryna Dabby from Women in Games, is Larissa Baptista of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who will join VFS in June for her intense year in Game Design. She will enter the industry at a time when men are still the vast majority – 80% in North America according to a 2007 survey, and over 95% in the UK in 2010. Larissa spent a year travelling six hours a day to attend courses in computers and 3D animation.

“I really am truly beyond honoured to have been chosen to receive the 2011 Women in Games Scholarship,” she says. “Thank you again – although words cannot possibly express my gratitude right now, I hope my future achievements will. A goal is now within my reach.”

The night also featured announcements regarding three industry-sponsored scholarships towards tuition in Game Design. Congratulations go out to: Leanne Roed of Winnipeg, winner of the G4techTV scholarship; Noushin Bardi-Chaharmahali of Vancouver, winner of the 3vis scholarship; and Melissa Raechelle Schnarr of Vancouver, winner of the Annex Pro scholarship.

You can learn more about Game Design at VFS by enrolling in a Summer Intensive, providing you with five, fast-paced days inside the program. For more information, visit vfs.com/summerintensives.