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The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences announced yesterday that Penn Jillette and Randy Pitchford would kick off this year’s D.I.C.E. Summit with their presentation titled “Assumption and Expectations with Interactivity and Magic”. The session looks to incorporate lessons in misdirection, expectation disruption, and lying.

Penn Jillette, of course, is one half of the internationally renowned magic team of Penn & Teller, and Randy Pitchford is probably better known as the president and co-founder of Gearbox Software, but has proven to have a few aces up his sleeves as well over the years. The duo’s session looks to help set the theme for this year’s summit, the “Art of Engagement”.

“Engagement is central to both business and art,” said Martin Rae, president, Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. “This year a variety of talented people will explore engagement and how it deeply affects what they do – whether it is advancing automobile technology, building boundless entertainment franchises, or creating open worlds based on experience. As always, our audience will be treated to big ideas that will help drive their own creative pursuits forward.”

Along with Jillette and Pitchford, the AIAS announced nearly a dozen other speakers for this year’s show including lead writer for the Tomb Raider reboot Rhianna Pratchett, new IP editorial director for Ubisoft Tommy Francois, and TV/film producer Adrian Askarieh.

They join previously announced speakers such as Firaxis co-founder Sid Meier, and Bethesda game director Todd Howard. All D.I.C.E. Summit sessions will be available via livestream through a variety of yet to be announced partners. The 19th annual D.I.C.E. Summit will take place in Las Vegas from February 16-18.