When you've got a big event coming up, it's important to have your agenda well thought out beforehand. Fortunately, the organizers of the ION Game Conference have already finalized the schedule. They've also announced a new set of speakers, to boot. More event details come your way in the full article, after the jump.

Cartoon Network is now officially joining the bandwagon of MMORPGs with the announcement FusionFall as an entry to the online gaming scene. Featuring characters that spawned from Cartoon Network, the game being developed for the PC is set to attract both the young and young at heart.

Like most MMORPGs, there will be different classes that players can choose. Guilds will be called clubs, but not much is known about what sticking together under the same banner will do for FusionFall. As much as we'd love to see Chicken (from Cow & Chicken) beat the crap out of Johnny Bravo, PvP is still under consideration.

Other characters that won't be joining the playables roster will be available as miniature allies called "nano" to aid you in battle. While it sounds perfectly like your run-of-the-mill RPG, the title promises to bring console platforming gameplay together with role-playing elements.

It has been reported July last year that Cartoon Network partnered with prominent Korean MMORPG developer Grigon Entertainment to create a game that complies with the Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act. FusionFall, which should be pretty far in development by now, is slated for a summer 2008 release. You can find the trailer embedded below.

 

Given that the 2007 Online Game Development Conference (OGDC) is just a few more days away, we'll be updating the previously reported speaker list with a fresh new 8-pack. This latest announcement includes the presence of industry bigwigs like GameSpy director Todd Northcutt, as well as PopCap Games business development director James Gwertzman. Here's the full list:

• JJ Richards - GM, Xbox Live, Microsoft
• Charles Merrin - Vice President, RealArcade, RealNetworks, Inc.
• Brett Close - President & CEO, 38 Studios
• Todd Northcutt - Director, GameSpy Technology, GameSpy / IGN Entertainment
• Tom DuBois - Producer, Global Online Studio, Electronic Arts
• James Gwertzman - Director of Business Development, PopCap Games
• Victor Wachter - Online Community Relations Manager, Cryptic Studios
• Craig T. Dalrymple - Community Relations Manager, EverQuest II, Sony Online Entertainment
  

Also confirmed to be arriving at the event are groups like IBM, Nvidia, Electronic Arts, Microsoft Game Studios, Cartoon Network, K2 Network, Multiverse, DigiPen, Pearl Research, Fox Interactive Media, Gas Powered Games, Midway Studios, WildTangent, High Voltage Software, Flagship Studios, and Ensemble Studios.

Keep posted in case more information on additional speakers is announced, as this year's OGDC goes down this May 10 to 11, at at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle.

MMO gaming has grown by leaps and bounds in the U.S. over the past five years, but most of these games feature high-intensity combat and violence. As such, they are aimed at older players (12-30+); few games are available for younger children. Cartoon Network plans to change that with the development of its first MMO in partnership with a leading Korean game developer, Grigon Entertainment. .

"Cartoon Network is an immersive experience for our fans, and this MMOG will allow our fans to interact with their favorite characters like never before," says Cartoon Network executive VP Jim Samples, . "Not only will kids be able to play with their favorite characters like Mac and Bloo, Ben 10 and the Kids Next Door, but they will also be able to develop their own online gaming personalities and interact, virtually, with other players in a safe way."

Grigon Entertainment brings their experience in successful MMOG development to the relationship. "With Grigon's experience and technical know-how, we think Cartoon Network's MMOG will have great success and longevity," says Paul Condolora, senior  VP of Cartoon Network New Media.

"It's my greatest pleasure to work as partners with Cartoon Network, the world's most influential entertainment brand," says Grigon CEO Byung-Kyu Cho (no relationship to Margaret). "When I look at the globally adored characters of Cartoon Network getting together harmonically with the renowned strength and uniqueness of Grigon, I have all my confidence that we will proudly present an online game which will astonish the world."

Cartoon Network's MMORPG will be comply with the Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA) and will offer a safe gaming environment for players.