Phil Harrison confirmed for final GDC keynote

Organisers of the forthcoming 2006 Game Developers Conference have confirmed that the final keynote will be delivered by Sony Worldwide Studios president Phil Harrison, titled "PlayStation 3: Beyond the Box".

Harrison is expected to provide attendees with the first solid information on the company's plans for its next-generation debut, with the keynote speech focusing on "the new creative, technical, and business opportunities provided by the arrival of PlayStation 3." It will also offer an insight into "how new technology and new business models will help fuel the growth of the computer entertainment industry by attracting new consumers."

According to GDC director Jamil Moledina, "Mr. Harrison's talk comes at the perfect time for the eager developer audience at the GDC. His discussion will answer many questions developers have for Sony at this stage before the impending PS3 launch."

Sony has been tight-lipped about its launch strategy and future plans for the next-generation console, with industry watchers filling in any gaps with rumour and speculation in the absence of any commitment from the Japanese giant. It is hoped that Harrison's keynote, which will be delivered on Wednesday, March 22nd from 10:30 — 11:30am, will put an end to the guesswork and formalise Sony's ambitions as the current hardware transition finally draws to a close.

Harrison joins Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, The Sims creator Will Wright, and Battlestar Galactica's creator and producer Ron Moore, all of whom will be delivering keynotes at the 2006 Game Developers Conference in San Jose, California next month. Further information on keynote speakers, discussion tracks and registration for the event can be found by visiting the official GDC website.