We already knew for some time that Satoru Iwata is set to make a keynote speech at this years Game Developer Conference. But did you know that Hideki Konno and Retro Studios are going to be giving lectures as well?
Satoru Iwata, March 2 at 9am PST
SPEAKER/S: Satoru Iwata (Nintendo Co., Ltd.)
DAY / TIME / LOCATION: Wednesday 9:00-10:00 North Hall D, Lower Level
TRACK / FORMAT: Game Design , Business and Management / Keynote
DESCRIPTION: For a quarter of a century, the engine of video games has been must have - the viral communication of what a gamer simply can't do without. Sometimes it's hardware, sometimes software, sometimes an accessory, but must have always describes an experience that can't be missedthe next big thing. Along the way, innovation has continuously reinvented the game experience in terms of graphics, player control and pure game design. But in the process, part of the magic of those early days of game creation has been lost. As a leading player during all 25 years of the modern video gaming era, Nintendo has a unique perspective on what makes gamers grin, what defines the term gamer and what is essential to ensuring industry growth. Nintendo President, Satoru Iwata, will draw from his development roots and talk not only about how video gaming has evolved, but also, more importantly, he will offer his views on wher [actually cuts off on the webpage here lol...]
Hideki Konno, March 2 at 1:30pm PST
SPEAKER/S: Hideki Konno (Nintendo)
DAY / TIME / LOCATION: Wednesday 1:30- 2:30 Room 135, North Hall
TRACK / FORMAT: Game Design / Lecture
DESCRIPTION: For many years Hideki Konno has produced, and been involved with, a number of Nintendos games, including the MARIO KART and NINTENDOGS series. Recently, for the first time in his career, he was assigned the role of overall producer for new Nintendo hardware: the Nintendo 3DS system. Mr. Konno will discuss how he has dealt with the challenges of developing the successor to Nintendo DS while, at the same time, being deeply involved in the software creation process of nintendogs cats as the games producer.
Retro Studios, March 3 at 9am PST
SPEAKER/S: Bryan Walker (Retro Studios), Michael Kelbaugh (Retro Studios) and Kensuke Tanabe (Nintendo)
DAY / TIME / LOCATION: Thursday 9:00-10:00 Room 135, North Hall
TRACK / FORMAT: Game Design / Lecture
DESCRIPTION: The process of game design is never easy. But it gets even more complicated when the needs of a global audience are considered, and development spans an ocean. The hit game DONKEY KONG COUNTRY Returns was created in tandem by Retro Studios in Texas and Nintendo's development department in Kyoto. Nintendo's Kensuke Tanabe, who specializes in such overseas collaborations, as well as Retro Studios' Michael Kelbaugh and Bryan Walker, will jointly discuss how different minds on different continents can combine to create a title that has global appeal.
