A D.I.C.E. Summit press release today revealed the lineup of speakers slated to present at this year's event, which is a quasi-intimate annual affair set in Las Vegas that consistently draws a couple of hundred people from among the game industry's most talented and powerful elite.

　　As is tradition, speakers run the gamut from hardcore designers with track records to die for, like Tim Schafer, to one of the consummate power brokers, like Doug Lowenstein. As added spice, Marc Ecko, known designer from the world of fashion, complements the field. Sony’s Jack Tretton will make a rare appearance, and oftentimes controversial Seamus Blackley makes a return trip to the podium.

　　The full lineup of speakers for the January 31 - February 2, 2005, event is as follows:

　　Tim Schafer, described as “game developer and the creative mind behind such titles as Psychonauts, Day of The Tentacle, Full Throttle, and Grim Fandango" will discuss the importance of risk-taking in the creative development of games.

　　Sony Computer Entertainment America executive vice president Jack Tretton will address "the challenges and risks developers face regarding next-generation console game funding and development."

　　Designer Marc Ecko will talk about brand extension into "the world of interactive entertainment."

　　Seamus Blackley of Creative Artists Agency (CAA) will speak on "the reality of entertainment finance."

　　Jane Buckingham of Youth Intelligence (owned by CAA) will speak on "predicting success rate in entertainment properties with today’s ever-changing youth."

　　Richard Marks, special projects manager for Sony Research and Development, and cocreator of its popular EyeToy peripheral, will talk about interface design in gaming.

　　Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk, BioWare's co-CEOs, will speak on the importance of including gamers in both the business model and value chain inherent in gaming today.

　　Doug Lowenstein, president of the ESA (aka the Entertainment Software Association, which owns E3), will lead a panel on "protecting IP in the evolving world of online distribution and peer-to-peer gameplay."

　　The event this year takes place at Green Valley Ranch Resort on the fringes of Las Vegas, Nevada.