Molyneux and Schafer added to GDC line-up

A number of high profile new speakers, including Peter Molyneux and Tim Schafer, have been added to the line-up for this year's Game Developers Conference (GDC).

Microsoft Game Studios boss Peter Molyneux will present a joint lecture with Lionhead designer Josh Atkins entitled The Complex Challenges of Intuitive Design. The two will discuss ways to "ensure that gamers of all abilities can quickly and easily immerse themselves in the game world", focusing on new game mechanics and interfaces for Fable III.

Brutal Legend producer Tim Schafer will appear on a panel with Overlord writer Rhianna Pratchett and Tales of Monkey Island designer Sean Vanaman named Make 'Em Laugh: Comedy in Games. The trio will discuss "the challenges that face developers as they try to distil a sense of humour into their games."

Also speaking at GDC are Toy Story and Up creators Matthew Luhn and Andrew Gordon. Luhn will present a lecture called Storyboarding/Story Development at Pixar: Work Methods and Insights, while Gordon's lecture is named Character Animation at Pixar: Work Methods and Insights.

Speaking for the first time in a lecture aimed at the games industry is fantasy novelist R.A Salvatore, who has previously worked with developer 38 Studios and will present a talk entitled From Fantasy to Franchise: How to Build a Universe Worthy of Devotion.

Other previously announced speakers for the event include Civilization creator Sid Meier who will present a keynote address on the topic of psychology in game design.

GDC 2010 is due to take place in San Francisco from March 9 to 13, with the main conference sessions beginning on March 11. Further information can be found at the official website.