Steve Grand is an American computer scientist and video game designer, best known for creating the first successful virtual pet simulation, Creatures, in 1996. His work in artificial life and computer graphics has influenced the development of interactive entertainment and artificial intelligence in gaming. In addition to his contributions to gaming, Grand has also been involved in various projects related to artificial intelligence and robotics. He has written extensively on the subject of virtual life and the implications of creating intelligent systems, making him a notable figure in both the gaming and tech communities.