5. Now that you've told us where we might be one day, where do you realistically see games in two, five, and ten years down the road? When do you think your vision might become a reality?

John: With processing speed now increasing even faster than Moore's Law, I think we'll really start to see game designers go for never-before-seen realism. You will simulate things in the next couple of years that would slow down even the fastest computers to a crawl now.

6. What do you think distinguishes you from other visionaries in the industry? Conversely, what do you share in common with them?

John: Well, that one's kind of tough question. I guess I love online gaming. That's my main passion. I'm not sure exactly where that leaves me in terms of the other people on this list, but to me, it's the future that I care the most about. I think interacting with other people is where the fun's going to be!

7. In 25 years, what do you think society will remember about gaming in the late 20th century, and more importantly, what do you think society should remember?

John: I hope we can look back in 25 years and remember these years as the real beginning of the online gaming movement.

8. If you or your company had to make one new year's resolution this year, what would it be and why?

John: To make games that people will remember as being the best 25 years from now.

9. Where will you be for the millennium, and what do you hope to be doing at midnight?

John: Holed up in a Compound somewhere with lots of food and water, Cable TV, and an Internet connection, hoping the Net doesn't crash and burn.

10. Far too often, our industry doesn't do enough to highlight up and coming designers and those who tirelessly work behind the scenes to bring games to life. Is there one person you think deserves more recognition? If so, introduce us to this person and tell us why you think he or she deserves acknowledgment.

John: Brad McQuaid, the producer of EverQuest. He and his team have produced an amazing game!

Next: Warren Spector