Hideo Kojima has been introduced as the primary keynote speaker at GDC Festival of Gaming 2026.
Titled ‘Restarting from Zero: A Message to Creators Contemplating Independence,’ Kojima will mirror on the tenth anniversary of Kojima Productions from its founding to growing its debut sport (and subsequent franchise) Demise Stranding.
As GDC famous, Kojima goals to “share his journey, the pitfalls and the artistic achievement of beginning yet again” following his tenure at Konami the place he created the Metallic Gear franchise.
Kojima obtained the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Game Developers Choice Awards in 2009, the place he was recognised for “his work in pioneering the stealth style and furthering in-game narrative.”
“Hideo Kojima is among the most influential artistic voices of our time, his work has formed how the world experiences video games,” stated GDC president Nina Brown.
“Having Kojima-san headline the GDC Festival of Gaming units the right tone for what this new period is all about: fearless creativity, daring concepts, and elevating the complete game-making ecosystem. His journey embodies the spirit of reinvention that so many within the trade are navigating proper now.”
GDC Festival of Gaming takes place in San Francisco next year from March 9 to March 13.
In September 2025, the Game Developer Conference rebranded to GDC Festival of Gaming.
GamesIndustry.biz spoke to Informa’s executive director for innovation and growth Mark DeLoura concerning the rebrand.
DeLoura reiterated that GDC is “nonetheless by builders, for builders, [and] centered on builders,” and that its “distinguishing options” embrace embracing “town in numerous methods than we’ve got earlier than.”
