When I was a kid, comic book conventions were a place to findcomic books. If you wanted videogames, you’d have to go to Toys ‘R Us and yank one of those little pieces of paper off a booklet and pray to the gods that, yes, this meant that they did indeed have a copy ofGumshoein stock somewhere in a dusty backroom. (Why was that thing so hard to find!?)
But no more. San Diego Comic Con, which takes place from July 22 through July 25, is kind of a big deal. It’s no longer just comic books, but general “nerd” culture, from television shows to movies to, yes, videogames. And today, the first day’s worth of events has been revealed, and there’s already plenty to see for videogames fans.
From Studio 38 will reveal its game.inFamousdeveloper Sucker Punch will talk about creating a hero. Keiji Inafune and Shinsaku Ohara will be on hand to talkDead Rising 2. Our friends from G4’sX-Playwill do a live show. It’s going to be madness… and this is only the first day!
Headed to the show? Let us break down the video game specific stuff for you, so you don’t get lost in a sea of Thor paraphernalia. Hit the jump for a day-one schedule break down of the videogame related panels, including times and locations.
Programming for Thursday, July 22[Comic-Con 2010]
Thursday, July 22
12:00-1:00: X-Play LIVE: A Show on Television
Through 12 years, three name changes, and over 1,000 episodes, X-Play has persevered as the most watched video game show on television. Each episode is packed with brutally honest reviews, previews, hands-on demos, and the occasional off-hand reference to early David Cronenberg movies. Hosts Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb, with correspondents Blair Herter, Abbie Heppe, and the X-Play crew, take questions from the audience, reveal world exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, and mock whoever dares ask about the infamous “Crisis Core” review. You’ll find out what it really feels like when you win a Telly, how deep cable is a life-changing experience, and why having a career playing video games can actually be as fun as it sounds.Room 5AB
12:00-1:00: Dead Rising 2
Dead Rising 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Capcom’s multi-million-selling zombie action video game is here! Dead Rising 2 executive producers Keiji Inafune and Shinsaku Ohara unveil development stories, provide a live demo of creating new weapons, and reveal other exclusive content. Followed by a Q&A session.Room 25ABC
12:30-1:30:City of Heroes Going Rogue: Reinventing a Superheroic MMO
Find out how the world’s most popular super-powered MMO is redefining the online gaming experience withCity of Heroes Going Rogue. New content and features will allow players to enter a new world with true moral challenges. Fans have been reading stories about heroes dangling on the edge of evil or villains seeking redemption. Now they can live those adventures. Jesse “Ghost Falcon” Caceres (development producer), Melissa “War Witch” Bianco (lead game designer), Matt “Positron” Miller (lead systems designer), and David “Noble Savage” Nakayama (art lead) establish the innovations that will allow your hero or villain to experience the ultimate adventure.Room 24ABC
1:00-2:00: Video Game Comics: The Next Big Thing
Are video games the biggest thing to hit comics since superheroes? Richard George from IGN explores this phenomenon, along with representatives from Dark Horse, EA, IDW, and WildStorm. Featuring some of the hottest video game properties in comics: Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Gears of War, Fallout: New Vegas, Army of Two, God of War and more, this is one panel fans of either medium won’t want to miss!Room 5AB
1:15-2:15: World Premiere of the First Game From 38 Studios
Be among the first in the world to see the video game debut from Curt Schilling’s 38 Studios. Hear from the visionaries who have teamed up to create this highly anticipated RPG and the rich world it is set in, including 38 Studios’ executive art director Todd McFarlane (Spawn, Spider-Man), executive creator of worlds R. A. Salvatore (Forgotten Realms), lead designer Ken Rolston (Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion), and founder and chairman Curt Schilling. Learn all about this ambitious new project as 38 Studios unveils the name of the game along with the world premiere of the game’s first trailer directed by McFarlane. Attendees will also receive a limited-edition poster.Room 6A
2:15-3:15World of Warcraft: Epic Loot
Get your game on outside of Azeroth! A panel of Blizzard Entertainment creative decision makers and licensed partners are on hand for a discussion and unveiling ofWorld of Warcraft-inspired products. In attendance: Chris Metzen, Blizzard Entertainment SVP of creative development; Micky Neilson, Blizzard Entertainment publishing lead; Hank Kanalz, VP/GM of WildStorm andWorld of Warcraftcomic editor; Julian Rignall, Future Plus editorial director of World of Warcraft Official Magazine; Jim Fletcher, DC Direct design director; and Cory Jones, Cryptozoic Entertainment president and chief creative officer. Moderated by Kat Hunter, Blizzard Entertainment licensing project manager and host of BlizzCon coverage on DIRECTV.Room 6BCF
3:30-4:30Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II Exclusive Live demo
LucasArts’s executive producer Haden Blackman presents a thrilling look at the sequel to the fastest-sellingStar Warsgame of all time. Blackman will share the latest scoop onStar Wars: The Force Unleashed IIand show attendees how to use the Force at a devastating level never seen before.Room 6BCF
3:30-4:30Assassin’s Creed: Behind and Beyond the Brotherhood
Key members of the development team from Ubisoft Montreal discuss the next iteration of the critically acclaimed, multi-million-unit-selling franchiseAssassin’s Creed Brotherhood. Learn about the new Multiplayer mode, a first forAssassin’s Creed, and get a preview of new multiplayer characters as they are revealed exclusively at this panel! Go behind the scenes with an in-depth look at the story and art of theBrotherhoodand the return of Ezio, now a legendary Master Assassin, as he journeys into Italy’s greatest city, Rome, to strike at the heart of the enemy. The session will also go beyond theBrotherhoodto discuss theAssassin’s Creeduniverse as a multimedia entertainment experience.Room 7AB
4:45-5:45:Capcom 2010 and Beyond!
See the latest trailers and get the inside scoop on all of Capcom’s most highly anticipated games for 2010 and beyond:Marvel Vs. Capcom 3, Sengoku Basara, Okamiden, Bionic Commando Rearmed 2, Ghost Trick, Dead Rising 2, and more. On top of all that, hear details on an exciting new game announcement by Capcom legend Keiji Inafune, the father ofMega Man!Room 6BCF
6:00-7:00Halo: Reach
Bungie hosts this discussion around the biggest game of 2010, including an in-person look at the campaign mode and a debut of some excitingHalo: Reach news.Room 6BCF
6:30-7:30: Origins and Evolutions of a Video Game Super Hero
Sucker Punch Productions, the developer behind the critically acclaimed PS3 summer blockbuster inFamous, takes you behind the scenes in the making and evolution of superhero Cole MacGrath. Unlike most superheroes, Cole and the inFamous universe were designed from the ground up as a video game, rather than as a scripted linear book or show. Key members of the Sucker Punch team discuss how this video-game-first approach affects every aspects of the creative process — including character designs, super powers, architecture, morality, and the narrative structure. Additionally, attendees will get a first look at the 2D graphic cut scenes from inFamous 2, as well as have an opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A.Room 7AB6:30-7:30: Still More Dirty Secrets of the Video Game Industry
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the locked doors of the video game industry? Would you like to break into that industry? Is there anyone in the biz you’re able to go to for help and straight answers? If you said yes to the first two questions, this program can help with the third! Industry veteran Alex Jimenez (Darkstalkers, Enigma) reveals the inner secrets of the game industry and answers your questions on cracking into this tough yet rewarding field. Whether your interest is art, programming, or design, he has the answers you’re looking for and all the dirty secrets you need to know!Room 8
