The UK's Edinburgh Interactive Festival, set for August 12-14, 2007 at the Royal College of Physicians, is focused on "expanding the creative culture of games." To that end, they're planning keynotes, debates, panel sessions and cross media industry discussions to examine gaming's impact on consumers and entertainment companies as well as traditional media.

Recently, the Festival's lineup has been expanded to include virtual worlds, with EVE Online creator Hilmar Petersson and Linden Lab's Jim Purbick joining the discussions. Purbick will participate in a 'Developing for Second Life' strand of panels on the 14th, while Petersson will head up ‘Exploring EVE Online’ on the 13th, and will also contribute to the ‘Virtual Societies’ discussion on the 14th.

In his welcome statement on the Festival's homepage, Chairman Chris Deering said, "For our delegates, partners and speakers, Edinburgh offers one thing in particular above all other industry events - a unique networking opportunity for those who are truly passionate about games. It also offers a stimulating and challenging two days of conference, debate and discussion that brings together people from all tiers of the worldwide games and interactive industries."

[Via MCV]