Bethesda's Todd Howard presenting D.I.C.E. 2012 keynote address

Bethesda Studios' Todd Howard most recently led the Elder Scrolls team to success with The Elder Scrolls V: Skryim, which took home numerous Game of the Year awards and has shipped more than 10 million units. Next up on the longtime developer's schedule isn't making more dragons, however, but speaking to a crowd of game designers and developers.

Today, the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences (AIAS) announced that Howard will deliver the keynote address at the D.I.C.E. 2012 Summit, which takes place at the Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas next month. According to the AIAS, Howard's "Why We Create, Why We Play" speech will discuss game development and the player experience.

"The 2012 D.I.C.E. Summit will kick off with one of the most distinguished creative minds of our time with Todd Howard as our Opening Keynote speaker," said AIAS president Martin Rae. "Todd's many contributions to the industry have greatly advanced our understanding of player interaction and engagement. His games take players on journeys through distant fantasy worlds and post apocalyptical universes that are driving a new generation of entertainment."

While Howard is presenting the keynote address at D.I.C.E. 2012, he is far from the only notable speaker at the event. Other speakers at D.I.C.E. 2012 include Valhalla Games cofounder Tomonobu Itagaki, Eat Sleep Play cofounder David Jaffe, and Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirshberg.

The 2012 D.I.C.E. Summit also includes the Interactive Achievement Awards, which celebrate the best games of the past year, as voted by AIAS members. Comedian Jay Mohr returns to host the awards show--which takes place on February 9.

For more on the 2012 D.I.C.E. Summit, check out the event's official website.