Overview
Quality was the brand. Brøderbund (the ø is intentional, meaning “brotherhood” in modified Scandinavian) published games that defined their eras—Choplifter’s rescue action, Lode Runner’s puzzle platforming, Prince of Persia’s cinematic animation. Later, Carmen Sandiego brought educational gaming to millions of schoolchildren.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1980.
- Founders: Doug and Gary Carlston.
- Location: San Rafael, California.
- Acquired: The Learning Company (1998).
Classic game titles
| Title |
Year |
Designer |
| Choplifter |
1982 |
Dan Gorlin |
| Lode Runner |
1983 |
Doug Smith |
| Karateka |
1984 |
Jordan Mechner |
| Prince of Persia |
1989 |
Jordan Mechner |
| Wings of Fury |
1987 |
Steve Waldo |
Educational titles
| Title |
Year |
Subject |
| Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? |
1985 |
Geography |
| Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego? |
1989 |
History |
| Where in the USA Is Carmen Sandiego? |
1986 |
US geography |
Productivity software
| Product |
Category |
| Print Shop |
Desktop publishing |
| Bank Street Writer |
Word processing |
| The Print Shop |
Greeting cards |
Publishing philosophy
| Principle |
Application |
| Quality control |
Rigorous testing |
| Designer support |
Creative freedom |
| Cross-platform |
Wide availability |
| Polish |
Complete products |
Notable relationships
| Developer |
Titles |
| Jordan Mechner |
Karateka, Prince of Persia |
| Dan Gorlin |
Choplifter |
| Doug Smith |
Lode Runner |
Company evolution
| Period |
Focus |
| Early 1980s |
Apple II games |
| Mid 1980s |
Multi-platform expansion |
| Late 1980s |
Educational software growth |
| 1990s |
Edutainment dominance |
See also