Miyamoto Becomes GDC Keynote

Miller Freeman, the organization behind the Game Developer Conference (GDC), has announced that Nintendo design god Shigeru Miyamoto will give the main keynote address at the 13th annual GDC.

The keynote on March 18 at the San Jose Convention Center will mark Miyamoto's first appearance since the release of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo 64. Miyamoto will speak about the future of game development and his experiences with creating Zelda.

"I'm glad that making games has come to influence people's daily lives so much. At the same time though, it makes me think about the responsibility we have as the ones who have such influential power," explained Mr. Miyamoto. "I'm excited that this conference will provide the opportunity for those creating console games and PC software to get together and exchange their views. I hope they'll be inspired to use advanced technology to tap the greatest resource they have - their imagination."

Miyamoto is currently the general manager of entertainment analysis and development for Nintendo of Japan. The designer, with a resume boasting 64 titles, is known for building such classics as Donkey Kong and Super Mario Bros.

"As the creative force behind the world's most popular and enduring games, Miyamoto will bring great insight and inspiration to the conference," said Jennifer Pahlka, director of the GDC. "Who better to speak about the future of video games to developers than the master designer himself."

GDC attendees holding CLASSICPass, AUDIOPass, GIGAPass, VIP Pass, or Student Pass tickets will be allowed to see Miyamoto speak. The conference brings together more than 250 speakers with hundreds of exhibits showing off the latest in tools, hardware, and services for those on the creative end of game development.