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Recognition and LegacyRecognition and LegacyEarly Life and EducationEarly Life and EducationAtari and the Creation of CentipedeAtari and the Creation of CentipedeMain milestonesMain milestonesPersonal Life and InterestsPersonal Life and InterestsPost-Atari Career and ActivitiesPost-Atari Career and ActivitiesCentipede's Impact and InfluenceCentipede's Impact and InfluenceDona Bailey's Contributions to Gender Equality in TechDona Bailey's Contributions to Gender Equality in Tech
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Dona Bailey - American video game programmer

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03.04.25
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Overview

Dona Bailey is an American video game programmer and educator, best known for co-creating the arcade game "Centipede" in 1981. As one of the first female video game programmers in a male-dominated industry, her career is a testament to her talent and perseverance. This timeline highlights key moments in her life, from her early years to her contributions to the field of computer science and game development.
Main Milestones
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas
1955
Dona Bailey was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. Details of her early childhood are scarce, but her upbringing in the South undoubtedly shaped her worldview and influenced her later pursuit of education and a career in the emerging field of computer science.
Early Interest in Electronics
Early 1970s
Dona Bailey's early interest in electronics started with repairing radios and televisions. This sparked a passion for understanding how things work and formed a solid foundation that would serve her well in her future programming career.
Studies Mathematics with Minor in Computer Science at University of Arkansas, Little Rock
1973 - 1977
Bailey pursued a degree in mathematics with a minor in computer science at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. This formal education provided her with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to enter the burgeoning field of software development. Notably, the limited computer science resources available at the time further fueled her independent learning and resourcefulness.
Programmer at General Motors
1977 - 1980
After graduating, Dona Bailey worked as a programmer at General Motors. During her time at GM, she programmed microprocessors, a critical step in gaining experience with the hardware and software interaction central to game development.
Hired by Atari
1980
Driven by her interest in games, Bailey actively sought employment at Atari, then a leading force in the arcade game industry. Her persistence paid off, and she was hired, becoming one of the very few female programmers at the company.
Co-creation of "Centipede"
1981
Bailey, along with Ed Logg, co-created the arcade game "Centipede". Her contributions were significant, including the game's distinctive color palette, movement mechanics, and the overall feel. "Centipede" became a massive commercial success and is considered a classic arcade game, cementing Bailey's place in video game history.
Leaves Atari
1982 - 1983
Following the success of Centipede, Bailey left Atari. The reasons for her departure are varied and not fully publicized, but they likely involved the prevalent sexism in the industry and a desire to pursue other creative and professional opportunities.
Teaching and Advocacy
1983 - Present
After leaving Atari, Dona Bailey transitioned into teaching and advocating for women in technology. She held positions at universities and participated in initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and inclusivity in STEM fields. While she largely stepped back from the limelight of game development, she has continued to inspire and educate future generations of programmers and game designers.
Award at the Women in Games International Conference
2007
Dona Bailey received an award at the Women in Games International Conference. This recognition served as a testament to her pioneering role in the game industry and the lasting impact of her work on "Centipede" and her contributions to encourage greater participation of women in the games industry.

Other Themed Timelines

Atari and the Creation of CentipedeAtari and the Creation of CentipedeCentipede's Impact and InfluenceCentipede's Impact and InfluenceDona Bailey's Contributions to Gender Equality in TechDona Bailey's Contributions to Gender Equality in TechEarly Life and EducationEarly Life and EducationPersonal Life and InterestsPersonal Life and InterestsPost-Atari Career and ActivitiesPost-Atari Career and ActivitiesRecognition and LegacyRecognition and Legacy