A chat with Gary Carlston of Brøderbund (2024)
a day ago
- #game-development
- #interview
- #retro-gaming
- Gary Carlston co-founded Brøderbund, a high-quality game publisher in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Brøderbund released influential games like Lode Runner, Prince of Persia, and Myst.
- The company was founded in 1980 by Gary and Doug Carlston but was eventually closed after multiple acquisitions.
- Gary Carlston studied in Sweden, coached a championship basketball team, and had humorous travel anecdotes.
- Brøderbund's name was inspired by a fictional group and modified to sound Scandinavian.
- Gary initially handled sales but later focused on product development before leaving due to stress.
- He returned to Brøderbund after the success of 'Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?', his brainchild.
- Carmen Sandiego's success included TV deals and educational adoption, despite initial skepticism.
- Brøderbund missed opportunities like acquiring Tetris and The Oregon Trail.
- Gary values honesty, respect, and fostering relationships at Brøderbund.
- He no longer follows the modern gaming industry but acknowledges its addictive nature.