SAN FRANCISCO, CA–Controversy swirled throughout the game development community today based on reports that this month’s GDC in San Francisco may not feature a keynote speech by the real Sid Meier (as advertised) but that someone claiming to be Sid Meier may give the keynote instead. A similar case of mistaken identity involving an alleged Sid Meier took place here at The Imaginary Game News Network several months ago during an interview with a man we thought was Sid Meier. Without actual proof that the upcoming GDC speaker will be Sid Meier,  and not some imposter claiming to be Sid Meier or even another person actually named Sid Meier but who is not the Sid Meier responsible for creating classic gaming IP such as Sid Meier’s Civilization and the just-announced Sid Meier’s Dammit, I AM Sid Meier, it is quite likely that GDC attendees will demand refunds or say unpleasant things about the conference. Conference management has not issued a response to the raging speculation, but a man we contacted who identified himself as Sid Meier gave the following statement:

“I’ve really had it with you idiots! What will it take to prove that I am who I say I am? Do you need my DNA? A polygraph test? Maybe you want me to program a brilliantly conceived, incredibly detailed new simulation game while you watch–is that it?”

After heated negotiations, the man claiming to be Sid Meier grudgingly agreed to our demands that he program a brilliantly conceived, incredibly detailed new simulation focusing on aardvark mating rituals as the centerpiece of his GDC keynote speech and as proof of his true identity.