Valve boss Gabe Newell is to co-host the keynote address at the 16th annual D.I.C.E. conference alongside Star Trek and soon-to-be Star Wars VII director J.J. Abrams, it has been revealed.

Taking place on February 6, the session – titled ‘”Storytelling Across Platforms: Who Benefits Most, the Audience or the Player?’ – will aim to combine writer-director insights from both the film and games industries. Additionally, Newell will give a keynote address the following day, looking at the future of Steam and Big Picture in the context of the changing industry.

“There’s no question that J.J. has his finger on the pulse of the entertainment industry, and we’re thrilled to welcome him and our 2013 Hall of Fame inductee, Gabe Newell, to the D.I.C.E. stage,” said Martin Rae, president of the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.

“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.”

Tickets are still available for the event, in what is set to be a pivotal year for the video games industry.

Via: GamesIndustry