The name Todd Howard is synonymous with some big franchises, particularly Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. To celebrate his accomplishments, the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences has decided that Howard's career is worthy of an induction into the AIAS Hall of Fame.

“I know that many of us in the industry have spent countless hours enthralled in the vast, open worlds that Todd has created," AIAS president Mike Fischer said in a release. "He’s made us all reconsider the player-game relationship and extended the storytelling possibilities of our medium.”

Howard joined the industry in 1994 with Bethesda, where his first game credit was The Terminator: Future Shock in 1995. He joined the Elder Scrolls franchise as a designer on Daggerfall, then went on to Work on Morrowind, Oblivion and finally as game director on Skyrim. He also was instrumental in Fallout 3 and 4 as game director and executive producer.

“Todd's impact on his studio, our company, and the gaming industry as a whole has been truly remarkable,” said Bethesda VP Pete Hines. “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.”  

Howard will be presented the award during DICE ceremonies on Feburary 23 next year. He will be the Hall's 22nd inductee.

Past AIAS Hall of Fame recipients include Hideo Kojima (2016), Leslie Benzies (2014), Dan and Sam Houser (2014), Tim Sweeney (2012), and Drs. Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka (2011).