Microsoft reconfirms Gamefest return in 2010

Microsoft’s game developer event Gamefest will return in 2010.

And next year the firm is planning events for the UK, USA and Japan.

Gamefest returns in 2010 after taking time out in 2009 – earlier this year the format-holder said the Windows and Xbox 360 conference would take a breather to better reflect the schedules developers work to and, presumably, the tougher economic climate for studios.

As the format holder confirmed at GDC 09, the USA event takes place again at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, Washington on February 10th and 11th.

The UK event takes place in February at the Chelsea Football Club grounds, as it did in 2008 – although the exact date has yet to be named.

Meanwhile the Tokyo, Japan event takes place on April 23rd, its location still to be confirmed.

Microsoft promises a special focus on Natal at the event, with two of the ten tracks dedicated to he peripheral.

More on the Natal focus can be found here.

Gamefest will also feature the usual tracks on Audio; CPU and System Programming; Graphics; Live and Networking; Producer and Business Development; Quality Assurance and Certification Visual Arts; and XNA Game Studio. In all Microsoft says the event will feature over 100 talks covering game development on Xbox 360 and Windows.

Those interested in registering to attend Gamefest should head to the official site.