GDC 2010 Won't Feature Microsoft, Sony Or Nintendo Keynotes

2010 already has a hefty lineup of hardware releases, with Microsoft's Project Natal, Sony's PS3 Motion Controller and Nintendo's DSi XL all hitting stores. All three of those companies will be absent from the GDC keynote schedule this month in San Francisco, however, as the conference focuses on software development. Sony's controller will get its own panel, but the spotlight will be focused on game makers.

Event director Meggan Scavio confirmed that none of the three big players in the console market will appear for GDC keynote addresses, according to EL33TONLINE.

"I've taken a bit of a shift when it comes to programming keynotes," Scavio told GamesIndustry.biz at the beginning of the year. "I really want to focus on developers, and I want to have a developer onstage at GDC every year as a way of showcasing what the conference is about."

This year, that goal will take the form of industry icon Sid Meier. You'll find some speakers from Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo scattered about on the show's roster, but the focus has been intentionally directed past big announcements and platform demonstrations in an effort to showcase software development.

Both Natal and Sony's motion controller could benefit from some announcements at this show, even if they aren't going to be front and center. Particularly in Sony's case, a big game announcement or two could go a long way toward igniting some excitement for the fall. A little lip service from some software folks would also go a long way, since Natal's title catalog has already begun to materialize.

What do you think of GDC programming lineup for 2010? Do you think their making a wise decision to prioritize software makers over big hardware announcements? Share your reactions in the comment section below.

Tags GDC, microsoft, nintendo, sony