Bob Bates started writing games for Infocom in 1986. In the 25 years since then he has credits on over 40 published titles as an Indie developer, game designer, programmer, producer, studio head, executive at a multi-national publisher, and independent consultant. He has twice been elected Chair of the IGDA and has also published the bestselling book "Game Design: The Art and Business of Creating Games." In December of 2010 he became the Chief Creative Officer for the external studios of Zynga.