Lorne Lanning confirmed to deliver the GameCity 2006 Vision Statement, in association with BAFTA.

11th September 2006. Nottingham, UK. A unique platform for fearless creativity, independent opinion and inspirational thinking - each year GameCity, invites a videogame visionary to deliver an annual Vision Statement.

In 2006, and for its launch year, we are delighted to welcome Oddworld Inhabitants' Lorne Lanning to the festival to share his unique perspective on the future of videogames, 'The Appetite for Escape'.

In this exclusive keynote, Lanning presents the inconvenient realities that inspired him to create the stories and characters that ultimately became the multi-platinum selling and critically acclaimed Oddworld series of games. This is a unique opportunity to join a true visionary of interactive entertainment as he shares his hopes and fears for the future.

Lanning says, "It's so exciting to be a part of GameCity and all that it represents. We're living in desperate as well as exciting times and whether it be directly or indirectly, the convergence of media is going to play a large role in all of our futures. Most often the discussion of convergence is centred on the quest for profit, but it's a breath of fresh air to participate in this setting and discuss not only the world we shop in, but also the one our conscience is left to live in."

Kam Kandola, Regional Programmer for BAFTA commented, "BAFTA are tremendously excited to be working with GameCity on this unique event, following on from the BAFTA Games Awards taking place on 5 October. Opportunities for the public to meet with industry leaders such as Lorne are very valuable and we are delighted to be continuing to help to bring the creative excellence behind videogames closer to the people that play them."

The Lorne Lanning event takes place on Saturday 28th October, 2006 at 6pm - at The Broadway, Nottingham.