Microsoft Executive J Allard to Keynote 2005 Game Developers Conference

Microsoft Executive J Allard to Keynote 2005 Game Developers Conference Games Industry Leader to Discuss Microsoft's Commitment to the Next Generation of Interactive Entertainment SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominent Microsoft executive, J Allard, corporate vice president, will deliver a keynote address at the 19th annual Game Developers Conference (GDC). GDC, the world's largest event exclusively devoted to the art of game creation, will take place Monday through Friday, March 7-11 in San Francisco. In the Microsoft keynote, entitled "The Future of Games: Unlocking the Opportunity," Allard will discuss the importance of pushing the industry forward; taking advantage of new technology to not only revolutionize the game experience, but also the development of the games themselves. Allard will set the stage for how consumer and technology trends will converge to create an unprecedented growth opportunity for the industry. "GDC's motto has always been that the game industry starts with the game creators," said Jamil Moledina, director, Game Developers Conference. "We are honored to have a visionary like Mr. Allard share his knowledge and thoughts on the industry's future at the GDC, where the entire development community will be all ears." Allard brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conference. In 2003, he was recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as being one of the most promising executives to lead the entertainment industry. He currently drives games platform initiatives for Microsoft, overseeing hardware, software and online services strategies specifically aimed at unleashing game creativity. The Future of Games: Unlocking the Opportunity keynote is scheduled for Wednesday, March 9 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom of Moscone West. The keynote will anchor GDC's new Vision Track, which is designed to empower developers to anticipate the future of interactive entertainment. The GDC will feature more than 300 lectures, panels, tutorials, and roundtable discussions across seven content tracks. For a complete list of GDC 2005 event information visit www.gdconf.com . About the CMP Game Group A core provider of essential information and community to the professional game industry, the CMP Game Group includes the Game Developers Conference, Game Developer magazine, Gamasutra.com, the Independent Games Festival, and the Game Developers Choice Awards. For more information, please visit www.cmpgame.com . CMP Media LLC CMP Media LLC (http://www.cmp.com/ ) is a leading integrated media company providing essential information and marketing services to the entire technology spectrum -- the builders, sellers and users of technology worldwide. Capitalizing on its editorial strength, CMP is uniquely positioned to offer marketers comprehensive, integrated media solutions tailored to meet their individual needs. Its diverse products and services include newspapers, magazines, Internet products, research, direct marketing services, education and training, trade shows and conferences, and custom publishing. Source: CMP Game Group CONTACT: Sibel Sunar, ext. 271, or sibel@bohle.com , or Craig Sinel, ext. 211, or craig@bohle.com , both of The Bohle Company, +1-310-785-0515, for CMP Game Group; or Tara Gibb of CMP Game Group, +1-415-947-6219, or tgibb@cmp.com Web site: http://www.cmp.com/ http://www.cmpgame.com/ http://www.gdconf.com/ ------- Profile: International Entertainment