Richard Di Giacomo graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in Ancient and Medieval history, a BA in Social Science and an MA in American History. He has been a teacher for over 20 years. He has taught in a variety of schools from private and continuation schools to public high schools. He has taught everything from at risk and limited English students to honors and college preparatory classes. The subjects he has taught include US and World History, Government, Economics, Bible and Ethics, History of the Cold War, and Contemporary World History. He has been a reviewer and contributor to textbooks, and has been a frequent presenter at social studies conferences on the use of simulations, videos, and computers in education. Rich's love for role-playing and strategy games led him to develop his unique books which combine the open-ended outcomes of role-playing with the tough decisions made by people in times of historical crisis. Students often relate that these are their most memorable and enjoyable activities of the year. They bring history to life so vividly that students cannot seem to stop talking about the simulations long after class is over!