Iwata to return as GDC keynote speaker

The organisers of the Game Developers Conference have confirmed that Nintendo president Satoru Iwata will keynote the event this March.

Iwata has keynoted the event twice before – in 2005 he took to the stage to reveal first details of the console that became the Wii, and in 2006 discussed his strategy commissioning new games content like Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training.

The Nintendo president started as a developer himself, and has previously used the chance to speak at GDC as a chance to underline the bond between format-holder and the development community.

His Iwata’s keynote, called ‘Discovering New Development Opportunities’ is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9am.

Speculation is now no doubt mounting as to what he may discuss in detail. Chances are he will discuss new DS upgrade the DSi, the DSi Ware distribution platform and new WiiMotionPlus peripheral – all of which are due for release in the West later this year.

“The Game Developers Conference is thrilled to welcome Satoru Iwata back to the keynote stage,” commented Meggan Scavio, event director of the GDC.

“His previous talks at the GDC can be credited with setting the stage for much of the huge growth the games industry has since seen, and attendees continue to talk about how both lectures impacted their perspective on development. We are confident that Iwata’s keynote this year will be added to the list of memorable GDC talks. Attendees are eager to know how he will inspire them this year.”