Game Developers Conference speakers announced

March brings the 16th annual Game Developers Conference back to San Jose, CA. The gathering brings computer and video game developers from far and wide to participate in seminars, conferences and roundtable discussions about issues related to the business and craft of game development. Recently promoters CMP Media LLC have provided a list of key speakers who will be presenting special topics.

The list is too long to repeat here, but highlighted key speakers include:

Sony Computer Entertainment CTO and Vice President Shin’ichi Okamoto, who was a primary force in the launch of the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 game consoles, who will discuss his company’s research and development processes.

Cerny Games founder Mark Cerny, whose resume includes Marble Madness, Crash Bandicoot and Jak and Daxter. He’ll discuss “What Worked: 10 Detailed Examples of Successful Character Action Design.”

Maxis co-founder Will Wright, who made Sim City, and comic booth author Scott McLoud, who will focus on “When Maps Collide.”

PDI/Dreamworks senior animator Nick Walker, who will discuss “The Making of Shrek.”

Neil Young, Electronic Arts vice president and production exec (and a key promoter of Majestic and Ultima Online) to discuss “Episodic Entertainment: Viva La Evolution!”

Factor 5 founder Thomas Engel, who will discuss “Afterthoughts: The Audio of Rogue Leader.”

In fact, more than 300 speakers are set to give presentations at the event, which attracts over 10,000 attendees every year.

The Game Developers Conference will take place from March 19 – 23. For more details or to take advantage of early registration rates (which expire on February 6), visit the Web site.