Gamasutra - The Top 20 Game Writers

Another list - but at least one that addresses an overlooked segment in terms of press coverage.  Gamasutra has assembled their Top 20 Game Writers, with Chris Avellone the first (or last?) cab off the rank.  BioWare's Drew Karpyshyn, Beth's Emil Pagliarulo and 2K's Ken Levine all get nods.  On MCA:

When working with such vast and shambling properties as Dungeons & Dragons or Star Wars, an individual writer's voice could easily get lost behind the accumulated lore that has built up over many years of overlapping narratives.

Chris Avellone neatly dodges that trap by always emphasizing his characters' personalities and relationships over back story.

Avellone also understands that dice rolling is the least interesting aspect of role-playing, and in his work, typical "gameplay" activities are often subordinate to character interactions.

While his upcoming Alpha Protocol will undoubtedly have some entertaining action, the real pleasure in the game will come from getting to know the many personalities inhabiting it.