Better graphics alone is no longer a compelling proposition for buying a new game console. If we keep producing sequels to existing franchises, we are grazing the same field.

Game creators have earned the recognition we give other celebrities such as movie stars and pop singers, and they've provided an undeniable contribution to world culture in light of the hours of entertainment they deliver. Games really are a 21st century art form, and our goal in hosting and producing the Game Developers Choice Awards is to validate the achievements of these creative artists.

The game industry is cyclical. So, what happens every four or five years, they have a new generation of technology, a new generation of home devices that you can plug into the television and also handheld devices.

Mr. Harrison's talk comes at the perfect time for the eager developer audience at the GDC. His discussion will answer many questions developers have for Sony at this stage before the impending PS3 launch.

His example of creating one of the most brilliant and successful science fiction masterpieces in recent Hollywood history is a perfect inspirational case study to capture the imaginations of the game creation leaders who attend GDC.

We are extremely honored to feature an experienced platform leader such as Satoru Iwata as a keynote speaker. As Nintendo reinvents the scope of what games can be, it is ever more crucial to share their creative and market-growing philosophies with the other leaders of the game creation industry.