Momentum is building behind the upcoming Develop conference and expo, with Microsoft’s Chris Satchell and NCsoft’s Richard Garriott signed up to deliver keynote speeches at the event.

With key themes for the event covering topics such as connectivity, creativity and community, the two are well-placed to offer their thoughts on how the online world is impacting the games development business.

General manager of Microsoft’s XNA Group, Chris Satchell (above left) will talk about how community is fuelling the Web 2.0 movement ‘way beyond the social networking phenomena of YouTube and MySpace’ and discuss how this can be used to shape the future of games playing and games development.

“Consumer creativity and community are major forces that will shape our industry in the next ten years,” explained Chris Satchell. “For me, this is the Web 2.0 equivalent of the creativity and passion of the bedroom programming scene I grew up with in the UK. Coming back to the UK to talk to European developers about this major evolution of our industry is a great opportunity to share Microsoft’s vision with some of the best developers in the world.”

Meanwhile Garriott, the executive producer at NCsoft Austin and brainchild of the Ultima franchise, will use his keynote to outline his vision for the future of MMOs and explore the possibilities the medium presents to developers and gamers.

“I’ll be taking this opportunity to share with the European development community my experiences and, hopefully, a little wisdom and inspiration, as well as taking the chance to talk about the future of development and projects I am currently working on,” explained Garriott. “The conference is very important for the European development community and offers a great arena for sharing experience and demonstrating new innovation to each other, others in the industry and the media."

Event director Andy Lane added: “Develop is still three months away, but already we have a fantastic line up in place - of both speakers and sessions – for conference delegates, who will be travelling to Brighton this summer from all over the world. 

“It also goes without saying that we’re delighted to confirm Chris Satchell and Richard Garriott as two of our keynote speakers: as Brits living and working in the United States, it will be fantastic to see them back on home soil sharing their stories, knowledge and experience with the development community in Europe.”

The Develop conference and expo runs from July 24th to July 26th at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Brighton. For more information on speakers and sessions, visit the official site here, or download the latest issue of Develop which features a run through of confirmed talks and an interview with Satchell.