Brøderbund Software Inc.

Founded by brothers Doug and Gary Carlston in 1980, the company built its early success on ports and original titles for 8-bit microcomputers like the Apple II and Atari 8-bit family. The publisher expanded the Lode Runner franchise, originally designed by Doug Smith, by releasing numerous sequels and level editors that fostered early user-generated content. Similarly, Jordan Mechner's rotoscoped animation techniques in Karateka laid the technical foundation for the critically acclaimed Prince of Persia series, which the company distributed globally.

Beyond platformers, the publisher secured licensing deals to bring arcade experiences home, notably publishing the official computer ports of the Star Wars arcade game. They also diversified into graphic adventures and action titles, distributing IO, Seafox, Mask of the Sun, and the licensed action game MASK. The tactical gameplay of Choplifter and the geographical database mechanics of Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego demonstrated the company's range. This diverse portfolio made the publisher an acquisition target, eventually leading to its purchase by The Learning Company in 1998.