Iwata to keynote GDC 2011

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata is to keynote GDC 2011 with a presentation entitled 'Video games turn 25: A historical perspective and vision for the future', discussing what he believes are the most important industry trends, past and future.

2011 is the year of the 25th anniversary of GDC, with Nintendo's poster boy Mario having enjoyed the same celebration last year. Iwata is a regular speaker at the conference, having appeared first in 2005 to discuss what would later become the Wii, then in 2006 and again in 2009.

"We are honoured and pleased to welcome Mr Iwata back to the keynote stage for our 25th conference," said GDC's director, Meggan Scavio.

"Nintendo continues to innovate and captivate developers and gamers alike, and we're looking forward to their unique insights into both the history and future of the game business."

GDC 2011 takes place in San Francisco from February 28 to March 4, 2011. Tickets are available now from the organisers' website.