The man who gave us Skyrim and Fallout 4 will receive one of the industry's highest honours at DICE 2017

One of Bethesda's lead creatives will enter the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame at DICE 2017.

Todd Howard, executive producer and game director at Bethesda Game Studios, will be inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame at DICE 2017.

Having joined the company in 1994, Howard has become one of the primary public faces of Bethesda's chief development studio and is the creative lead for the team, meaning he played a huge role in Bethesda's Fallout and The Elder Scrolls games.

The AIAS Hall of Fame honours those who "demonstrate the highest level of creativity and innovation, resulting in significant product influence on a scale that expands the scope of the industry". Previous inductees include Hideo Kojima (Metal Gear Solid); Leslie Benzies, Dan House and Sam Houser (Grand Theft Auto); Tim Sweeney (Unreal Engine); Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka (BioWare). It's a pretty big deal.

"The Academy is thrilled to be honoring Todd Howard as our next Hall of Fame recipient during our 20th D.I.C.E. Awards celebration," AIAS president Mike Fischer said in a statement.

"I know that many of us in the industry have spent countless hours enthralled in the vast, open worlds that Todd has created. He's made us all reconsider the player-game relationship and extended the storytelling possibilities of our medium. We look forward to honoring Todd and celebrating his achievements and contributions to the video games industry."

"Todd's impact on his studio, our company, and the gaming industry as a whole has been truly remarkable. When you look at the very best game developers of all time - the 21 members of the AIAS Hall of Fame - I think Todd deserves to have his name right alongside of them as the best of the best," Bethesda PR boss Pete Hines added.

"Todd is revered by legions of fans not just for his creative leadership over the years but for his humility and humor," AIAS vice chairman and Insomniac Games gounder Ted Price chimed in.

"Despite the fact that he's helmed several of the most successful franchises in the history of our industry, he consistently defers praise to others and is the quintessential team player. Yet it's Todd's vision and strong direction that has brought Tamriel and the Commonwealth to life for millions around the world.

"I'm in awe of his accomplishments and am proud to call him a friend. I can't think of anyone who deserves this honor more than he does."

Howard was also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the GDC Awards this year.