Video Games Live is a milestone in the evolution of games as an art form in world culture. Featuring VGL at GDC fits in perfectly with our goals of provoking innovation among game creators, and producing ideas that have dramatic reach into the greater entertainment audience.

Through this inaugural competition, GDC and the CG Society aim to promote the professional development and recognition of the art and artists of games. We are excited to focus on rewarding excellence in original art, since that dovetails with the focus of the GDC to provoke creativity in all elements of game creation.

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.