Dona Bailey joined Atari as one of the few female game programmers. The environment was reportedly challenging, but she persevered, determined to make her mark in the video game industry.

Bailey worked alongside Ed Logg on the development of Centipede. She contributed significantly to the game's design, gameplay, and overall appeal. Her contributions were essential in making Centipede the commercial success it became.

Centipede was released to widespread critical and commercial acclaim. Its innovative gameplay and colorful graphics resonated with players, making it one of Atari's most successful arcade games. Bailey's role in its creation was a groundbreaking achievement for women in the industry.

Despite Centipede's success, Bailey's contributions were not prominently acknowledged or publicized by Atari at the time. This lack of recognition contributed to her feeling undervalued and ultimately led to her departure from the company.