"As an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy novels, I discovered the thrill of going to science fiction conventions. Here I was introduced to fantasy role-playing games. I met my husband, Corey, at a science fiction convention in San Francisco while playing a game he was running, in fact.

"Corey introduced me to the pleasures of computer games. We had a great time playing the Ultima and Wizardry games, but felt that the games didn't live up to our ideas of what these games should do. We wanted to make the computer games that we would like to play. Sierra On-Line gave us that chance in 1988. Corey came to work as a programmer, and I became a designer. Together, we designed the first Quest for Glory game as an adventure role-playing game that incorporated all our ideas of a great game - realistic characters in a believable fantasy environment, plenty of things to do and places to see, humor, action, and excitement.

"The job of a game designer is to facilitate fun - to create challenges that the player must struggle to overcome, but reward the player with a sense of satisfaction and completion when the puzzle has been solved. Game designing incorporates all aspects of my education. From theater arts I learned how to direct and how to design a stage. From my art and animation classes, I learned how to judge a scene and make it work both artistically and in game terms. Creative writing taught me how to create the characters and bring them to life, to tell a cohesive story, and the importance of conflict. My teaching experience taught me the most critical skill of all - communication. Great ideas are worthless unless you can share the vision with the development team..