Steve Barcia is a game programmer, game producer and entrepreneur, having founded the computer game developer Simtex Studios Inc. in 1988.[1] The company released computer games such as Master of Magic, Master of Orion, Master of Orion II, and 1830: Railroads & Robber Barons the adaptation of the Avalon Hill strategy game 1830. They also developed the unreleased projects Mech Lords and Guardians: Agents of Justice.
Following a corporate takeover in May 2000, Nintendo of America bought Retro Studios. Barcia was elected to replace the founder and then-president Jeff Spangenberg. Under Barcia's leadership, Retro Studios developed and released Metroid Prime.[2] Barcia was replaced by Michael Kelbaugh in April 2003 after Nintendo received numerous complaints about his mismanagement of the company.[3][4]
After his replacement he took employment at EA Canada in Vancouver where he oversaw production on the Def Jam, SSX, and Need for Speed series.[5][6]
In 2009, he was chosen by IGN as one of the top 100 game creators of all time.[7]