DigitalNoob

The Entertainment Software Association has announced two game design competitions for aspiring students wishing to get into the industry, the National STEM Video Game Challenge and the E3 College Game Competition.

For the third year in a row, the ESA is partnering with The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop and E-Line Media to bring the National STEM Video Game Challenge to students. The competition is for middle and high school students and offers the kids a change to develop unique educational technologies centered around the topics of Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM). Winners will receive an AMD-powered laptop that comes with game design and educati0nal software tools per-installed, as well as a $2000 to go towards the non-profit or charity of their choice. Entries will be accepted starting in February and continue through to April 24th.  Students can visit the official website for more information on entering or any instructinal webinars they wish to attend.

The E3 College Game Competition allows for colleges and universities with game development programs a unique opportunity to display student-made games and interact with industry professionals at this year’s E3 in June. Starting March 15th, each school can submit one game along with any story and content assets for consideration. A panel of game industry and media experts will choose five finalists who will get the chance to go to E3 2013 in Los Angeles, CA. Colleges and universities interested in the competition can email ESA@theESA.com for more information.