The Austin Game Initiative has today announced details of its 2004 Austin Game Conference (AGC), which is scheduled to take place at the Austin Convention Center September 9-10. The conference will open with a unique shared keynote address titled "Massively Multiplayer Console Is Coming" from Sony and Microsoft. Delivering the keynote address will be Glen Van Datta, director of online technology for Sony Computer Entertainment, and Scott Henson, director of platform strategy for Microsoft Xbox.

In addition to massively multiplayer games, the central themes for this year's AGC will include mobile games, next-generation technologies, and business strategies for emerging products and platforms. The conference schedule will include a total of 48 sessions presented by representatives of such companies as Sony Online, Microsoft, NCsoft, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Red Storm, Disney, Monolith, Turbine, Taldren, and Mythic.

"As the third-largest region in the United States for game development, Austin is once again pleased to host the most innovative creative and business minds in game development from around the world," said Christopher Sherman, executive director of the Austin Game Initiative. "With more than 850 people at last year's event, the Austin Game Conference has earned the reputation as the definitive conference for multiplayer game development. We look forward to a larger event this year."

For more information, or to preregister for this year's Austin Game Conference, check out the event's official Web site.