The 19th annual Game Developers Conference (GDC) kicks off today at The Moscone Center West. More than 10,000 game industry professionals from around the world are expected to attend the gathering, which is exclusively devoted to the art, technology and business of game creation. The conference will run through March 11, 2005.

GDC provides a forum for game developers to explore new techniques for next generation game design. Attendees will get a chance to hear powerhouse executives from Microsoft, Nintendo and other industry leaders paint the future of the game business. Conference-goers can also participate in more than 300 lectures, panels, tutorials and roundtable discussions covering all aspects of game development.

"The GDC is the place where professionals set the agenda for interactive entertainment for years to come," said Jamil Moledina, director, Game Developers Conference. "This year’s event aims to motivate developers to get a head start on creating the games of tomorrow."

The most innovative game companies in the world participate at the GDC Expo to help define and provide insight into the future of gaming. Programmers, artists, producers, game designers, audio professionals and others involved in the development of interactive games are given a forum where they can exchange ideas, network and shape the industry.

For a complete list of GDC 2005 event information, please visit www.gdconf.com.