Nintendo UK Head Yarnton Chairs August 2011's Edinburgh Interactive Festival

Organizers for the Edinburgh Interactive Festival in Scotland confirmed Nintendo UK general manager David Yarnton as the new chairman for the event, taking place August 11 and 12, 2011. Yarnton replaces industry veteran Chris Deering, former CEO and chairman of PlayStation Europe. Deering will remain an "active supporter" of the annual festival, which was created in 2003. "[Edinburgh] has been the perfect backdrop for the discussion and exploration of new ideas and partnerships in games and a unique landscape which positions games as much a part of the arts as film, television, theater, comedy and the irreverence of the fringe," Yarnton said. The annual Edinburgh Interactive Festival covers various areas of the interactive industry, including games, social networks, mobile, education, music, film and TV. The event is also home to a games screening program, where developers host public screenings of their titles in a local theater. "Edinburgh Interactive is a valuable industry asset but it can of course do more and should be constantly evolving," said Yarnton. "I have always been a strong supporter of Edinburgh Interactive as it is a truly bi-partisan event that celebrates all the diversity that is good with our industry and leaves egos at the door."