Anyone in the western hemisphere who has much interest in how virtual worlds are created and operated knows that Gordon Walton ranks among the best known and most highly respected names in the category. Overall, since 1977, he can take personal credit for over 30 games, and has overseen the making of hundreds more. Within the online sector, which has been his singular focus for the past decade or so, his experience dates back to pioneering titles like Kesmai's Air Warrior and Multiplayer Battletech that were made under his supervision. After that company was acquired by Electronic Arts, he managed Ultima Online at Origin before moving to Maxis as VP and Executive Producer of The Sims Online. Most recently, he was VP and Austin studio manager for Sony Online Entertainment, responsible for Star Wars Galaxies along with other unannounced projects.