Todd Andrew Howard was born in Lower Macungie Township, Pennsylvania. Early life likely included typical childhood activities and the beginnings of his fascination with technology and fantasy.

Developed an early fascination with computers, likely influenced by the growing accessibility of personal computers in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Began playing video games on platforms like the Atari.

Attended Emmaus High School in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. It is likely that this period saw the refinement of his interests in technology, games, and potentially programming or related fields. Specifics are difficult to find, but he was likely engaged in activities that fostered his passion.

Enrolls at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He initially pursued electrical engineering, which demonstrates his interest in the technical aspects of computing.

Graduates from the College of William & Mary with a degree not in engineering, but in Information Systems. During his studies, he was already proactively contacting Bethesda Softworks looking for job opportunities, illustrating his determined early career focus.