GameSpy has compiled its own list of the 30 Most Influential People in Gaming. Ron Gilbert, creator of SCUMM and Monkey Island, makes the list at #29 for basically changing the way we play adventure games. Interestingly enough, George Lucas makes the list at #17 for starting LucasArts. Here's a quote:
But beyond the Star Wars franchise is where LucasArts has really shined, with the Monkey Island series and Grim Fandango, unique adventure games with truckloads of humor and surprises. I mean, when was the last time you saw a Sam Spade-esque detective story set against the backdrop of a Mexican "Dia de los Muertos" mythology?When indeed.