GDC Canada Keynote Announced: Don Mattrick of Microsoft
“The Evolution of the Canadian Game Industry: A Conversation with Don Mattrick”
Vancouver – Don Mattrick, leader of the Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE and Games for Windows businesses at Microsoft, will kick of the inaugural GDC Canada with an exploration of the Canadian game development industry and the role it plays within the global community. With 25 years of broad industry and game development experience, Mattrick’s portfolio includes some of the most successful game franchises in the world, including “Need for Speed,” “Harry Potter” and “The Sims.” He will be joined onstage by Victor Lucas, creator, executive producer and co-host of
“The Electric Playground,” for an engaging interview and discussion on the dynamic changes and growing influence of Canadian game development.
Don Mattrick, who began his career in the video game industry at the age of 17, with the launch of Distinctive Software in Burnaby BC, has since held several leadership positions at EA, most recently as president of the publisher’s worldwide studios. Previously, he oversaw EA’s global studios and research and development in several major sites, including Redwood Shores, Calif. (Silicon Valley), EALA in Los Angeles, EA Tiburon in Florida, EA Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Montreal, and EA UK Studio in Chertsey, England.
Raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Mattrick has been an active member of the province’s business and educational community. He has served on several public and private boards, including the advisory board for USC School of Cinematic Arts and the Premier’s Technology Council in British Columbia.