Gabe Newell and J.J. Abrams to host storytelling keynote at DICE

Gabe Newell and J.J. Abrams will helm the opening keynote address at next week's D.I.C.E. Summit. The Valve co-founder and Star Trek director will present “Storytelling Across Platforms: Who Benefits Most, the Audience or the Player?" on the show's first morning.

Newell will also host a keynote address on Thursday titled "A View on Next Steps," which will detail the Valve mastermind's thoughts on where the games industry is heading and the kinds of advances Valve is making. The company recently announced a partnership with PC maker Xi3 to develop its own take on the long-rumoured Steam Box.

"J.J. thoughtfully weaves together suspense, action, emotion, and fun into every one of his projects -- elements every game developer aspires to capture as well," said Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences president Martin Rae.

Abrams' latest film, Star Trek: Into Darkness, will be released in May. He has also been lined up to direct the next Star Wars film.

"Each year, the D.I.C.E. Summit sets the tone for the year ahead in games and adding J.J. and Gabe’s shared insights is a natural fit as we see all forms of entertainment converge,” added Rae.

The D.I.C.E. Summit will take place in Las Vegas from February 5 to 8.