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What to expect from GDC 2011

The big things to watch out of next week's show

What to expect from GDC 2011
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iOS + Android + 3DS ...

While there are always surprises, it's not too difficult to predict what will steal the spotlight at a big trade show.

Xperia Play dominated Mobile World Congress last week, Android tablets predictably were the big thing at CES, and Nintendo 3DS was easily pinpointed as the spotlight feature before E3 2010 even started.

What about GDC 2011? No doubt about it, iPad 2 will draw the most attention, but you can be sure that plenty of other interesting announcements and stories will make for an exciting week. Here's what to keep your eyes on in the days ahead:

iPad 2

Apple plans on announcing a new iteration of its massively popular iPad, which is a big deal considering the conscious decision to unveil the device during a game industry summit. Without question, Apple has gamers targeted and wants to push aggressively with its new iPad.

There's plenty of speculation on the sort of features and processing power that defines the device, but what's really worth watching is how Apple positions the new iPad.

How strongly will it angle iPad 2 as a gaming machine? Will it announce a new version of Game Center? Will it announce an unexpected game? Will yet more console developers come aboard the iOS bandwagon?

New Nintendo 3DS games

Nintendo 3DSWith Nintendo 3DS set to launch in Japan tomorrow and the US and UK debuts to follow in March, you can be sure that the buzz surrounding Nintendo's fancy handheld will be palpable during GDC. In particular, pay attention to new game announcements as an indication of what to expect in the months following the launch.

What games are coming after the launch window? Will developers focus on more original titles for 3DS or fall back on 3D tweaks of games developed for other portables? Early 3DS game reviews in Japan are positive, but previews from western journalists during GDC could yield different opinions.

Strength of interest in NGP

Although the initial response to Sony's NGP announcement was overwhelmingly positive, the device's success comes down to strength of developer support. Without awesome games to utilise its cutting-edge features, NGP won't last on the market for very long.

We already know that big franchises like Call of Duty and Uncharted are coming to NGP, but what about smaller downloadable titles and games in the works from mid-size third-party publishers? Pay attention to what developers are saying about Sony's handheld and what their plans are for NGP.

Tons of new iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad games

Death RallyOne of the best things about GDC is the huge number of games that get announced. Based on what we know is already in the works - Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard, Fight Night Champion, Blackstar, Death Rally - there's a lot to look forward to.

More interesting, however, are game announcements. What new titles do EA Mobile, Chillingo, and Gameloft have in store? What's Firemint's new game? Disney promises a big announcement next week. Big Fish Games, which has released a number of great titles, has a few announcements.

Other key announcements/happenings to watch
Pocket Gamer Awards
Xperia Play price announcement
Nintendo keynote address
Tracy Erickson
Tracy Erickson
Manning our editorial outpost in America, Tracy comes with years of expertise at mashing a keyboard. When he's not out painting the town red, he jets across the home of the brave, covering press events under the Pocket Gamer banner.