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The top video games designers of the past

In the earlier stages of the gaming industry, games were typically developed by a small team of programmers, with a key individual known as the "designer" taking on a central role. The designer was responsible for generating the initial concept and laying out the framework for gameplay and content. During the 1980s and 1990s, many of these game designers gained recognition among the public for their contributions to the field.

As the 1980s and 1990s unfolded, a growing number of these designers stepped into the spotlight, their names becoming familiar to gamers worldwide: Richard Garriott, Ron Gilbert, Sid Meier. Through their innovative ideas, they pushed the boundaries of what games could achieve. Their contributions played a significant role in shaping the trajectory of the industry as a whole.

While major game studios dominated the industry, the 90s also saw the rise of independent game designers. These designers often embraced experimental gameplay mechanics and artistic expression, paving the way for the indie gaming scene that would flourish in later years.

Her's a list of the most popular and perhaps the most influential video game designers from that golden age of video gaming.

author known for
Al Lowe Leisure Suit Larry
Alexey Pajitnov Tetris
American McGee Doom II, Quake, American McGee's Alice
Andrew Braybrook Paradroid, Uridium
Bill Williams Alley Cat, Necromancer
Brian Fargo The Bard's Tale 2 and 3, Wastelands, Fallout
Brian Moriarty Wishbringer, Loom
Brian Reynolds Civilization, Alpha Centauri
Chris Beatrice Caesar, Lords of the Realm
Chris Crawford Eastern Front, Balance of Power
Chris Metzen Warcraft, Diablo, StarCraft
Chris Roberts Wing Commander, Times of Lore
Chris Sawyer Transport Tycoon, Roller Coaster Tycoon
Chris Taylor Total Annihilation, Dungeon Siege
Cliff Johnson The Fool's Errand, 3 in Three
Damon Slye Red Baron, A-10 Tank Killer, Aces of the Pacific
Dave Lebling Zork, Starcross, Spellbreaker
David Braben Elite, Frontier
David Jones Lemmings, Grand Theft Auto
Dino Dini The Kick Off series
Doug Church Ultima Underworld, System Shock, Thief
Douglas E. Smith Lode Runner
Ed Boon Mortal Kombat
Ed Logg Asteroids, Centipede, Gauntlet
Eric Chahi Another World
Eugene Jarvis Defender, Robotron: 2084
Frédérick Raynal Alone in the Dark, Little Big Adventure
Gary Winnick Maniac Mansion, Zak McKracken
Gilman Louie The Falcon series, Stunt Driver
Hideo Kojima Metal Gear, Snatcher
Jane Jensen The Gabriel Knight series
Jeff Minter Gridrunner, Attack of the Mutant Camels, Tempest 2000
Jeffrey Tunnell The Incredible Machine
John Romero Commander Keen, Doom, Quake
Jon Hare Wizball, Sensible Soccer, Cannon Fodder
Jon Van Caneghem Might and Magic, Heroes of Might and Magic
Jordan Mechner Prince of Persia, Karateka
Julian Gollop X-COM: UFO Defense, Laser Squad
Lori Ann Cole Quest for Glory
Marc Blank Zork
Mike Singleton The Lords of Midnight, War in Middle Earth, Midwinter
Paul Cuisset Flashback, Future Wars, Fade to Black
Paul Neurath Space Rogue, Ultima Underworld
Paul Reiche III Star Control, Archon
Peter Molyneux Populous, Magic Carpet, Powermonger
Phil Steinmeyer Railroad Tycoon 2, Tropico
Richard Garriott The Ultima series
Roberta Williams The King's Quest series, Sierra On-Line co-founder
Robyn Miller Myst
Roger Keating The Warlords series
Ron Gilbert Maniac Mansion, Zak McKracken, Monkey Island
Scott Adams Adventureland, the Questprobe series
Scott Miller Kingdom of Kroz, Wolfenstein 3D, Raptor
Shigeru Miyamoto Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Donkey Kong
Sid Meier Civilization, Railroad Tycoon, Pirates!
Steve Eric Meretzky Planetfall, Leather Goddesses of Phobos
Steve Fawkner The Warlords series
Tim Cain Fallout, Arcanum
Tim Schafer Full Throttle, Grim Fandango, Psychonauts, Broken Age, Day of the Tentacle
Tim Willits Quake, Hexen, Ultimate Doom
Tom A. Hall Doom, Wolfenstein 3D, Commander Keen
Warren Spector Ultima Underworld, Deus Ex
Will Wright SimCity, The Sims, Spore
Yoshiki Okamoto 1942, Gun Smoke, Street Fighter II
Yu Suzuki Virtua Fighter, Shenmue