# Brenda Laurel

> American video game developer

**Wikidata**: [Q4960717](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4960717)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brenda_Laurel)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/brenda-laurel

## Summary
Brenda Laurel is an American video game designer, researcher, and computer scientist. She is best known for her work in human-computer interaction and for founding Purple Moon, a software company focused on games for girls. Her career spans significant roles at Atari, Interval Research, and various academic institutions.

## Biography
- **Born:** November 20, 1950 in Columbus
- **Nationality:** United States
- **Education:** Ohio State University; DePauw University; Doctor of Philosophy
- **Known for:** Video game development, human-computer interaction, and research on gender and technology
- **Employer(s):** Atari, Inc. (1980–1984); Interval Research Corporation (1992–1996); Art Center College of Design (2001–2006); Purple Moon (1996–1999); California College of the Arts (2006–2012)
- **Field(s):** Video game industry, Computer science, Higher education

## Contributions
Brenda Laurel has made contributions to both the video game industry and academic research. In 1996, she founded Purple Moon, a company dedicated to creating interactive media and games specifically for pre-teen girls, where she served until 1999.

Prior to this venture, she worked at Atari, Inc. from 1980 to 1984 during a foundational period for the video game industry. She later joined Interval Research Corporation from 1992 to 1996, engaging in research and development. Her academic career includes serving as a faculty member at the Art Center College of Design (2001–2006) and the California College of the Arts (2006–2012). Her work frequently focuses on the intersection of gender and technology in digital environments.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Brenda Laurel best known for?
A: Brenda Laurel is best known as a video game designer and researcher who founded Purple Moon, a company influential in creating games for girls. She is also recognized for her contributions to computer science and human-computer interaction.

### Q: Where did Brenda Laurel work?
A: Laurel has held significant positions at Atari, Inc., Interval Research Corporation, and Purple Moon. She has also taught at the Art Center College of Design and the California College of the Arts.

### Q: What is Brenda Laurel's educational background?
A: She attended DePauw University and Ohio State University, where she earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

## Why They Matter
Brenda Laurel matters for her pioneering work in addressing the gender gap in the video game industry. By founding Purple Moon in the 1990s, she challenged the male-dominated market by producing research-backed games designed for girls. Her dual career as a practitioner and academic has allowed her to influence both the commercial products created and the theoretical frameworks used to understand interactive media. Her long tenure in academia has helped shape the education of future designers and computer scientists, ensuring a continued focus on inclusivity and diverse user experiences.

## Notable For
- **Founding Purple Moon:** Established a software company focused exclusively on girl-centered interactive entertainment.
- **Atari Veteran:** Worked at Atari, Inc. during the early years of the video game industry.
- **Academic Leadership:** Served as an educator at institutions including Art Center College of Design and California College of the Arts.
- **Interdisciplinary Expertise:** Recognized as both a computer scientist and a video game designer/researcher.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Brenda Laurel was born on November 20, 1950, in Columbus. She pursued higher education in the United States, attending DePauw University and later Ohio State University. She ultimately achieved a Doctor of Philosophy degree.

### Industry Career
Laurel's professional career in the technology sector began at Atari, Inc., where she worked from 1980 to 1984. Based in Sunnyvale, California, Atari was a central figure in the video game industry during this era. Following her time in the corporate sector, she co-founded Purple Moon in 1996, serving the company until 1999. Purple Moon was notable for its focus on the "girls' games" movement. Between these ventures, she conducted research at the Interval Research Corporation from 1992 to 1996.

### Academic and Research Roles
In addition to her industry work, Laurel has held several academic positions. She was employed by the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, from 2001 to 2006. She subsequently joined the California College of the Arts, a private art and design school, where she worked from 2006 to 2012. Her professional identity encompasses roles as a video game designer, researcher, and computer scientist.

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## References

1. BnF authorities
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. [Source](http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1240408469)
6. IdRef
7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File