

The Thomas Brush Show
Thomas Brush
Welcome to The Thomas Brush Show, where we talk to indie game developers who make a living creating indie games, full time! I will also sometimes talk to other creatives, like film-makers, YouTubers, and artists.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 25min
Goodgis: Switching To Godot, Making Games While Working A Desk Job, 5 Years On 1 Game | Ep. #054
I chat with Mark, AKA the mega YouTuber Goodgis about why he's using Godot, how he's making games while working a desk job, and more. ► Check out Sentry► Dewdrop Dynasty

Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 12min
Kyle Balda: Why This Hollywood Director Is Now Making Games, Why Game Dev Is So Hard | Ep. #053
I talk with the Minions director Kyle Balda about why he is now making indie games.► Get 25% off my 2D course (and get my 3D course free)► Follow Kyle► Wishlist my game, Twisted Tower

Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 23min
Tom Francis: How He Sold 1,000,000 Copies Of His Games | Ep. #052
Tom Francis, a seasoned indie game developer known for titles like Gunpoint and Heat Signature, shares his insights on thriving in the game industry. He discusses the balance between structured planning and creative experimentation that drives unique gameplay. The role of AI in enhancing game design is debated, emphasizing human creativity's irreplaceable value. Tom also dives into the importance of setting for player engagement and the emotional challenges during beta testing, providing a glimpse into the artistry and technicalities of game development.

Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 25min
Jake Birkett: Making Indie Games For 20 Years, Unity vs Custom Engine, Indie Survival | Ep. #051
I chat with the Jake Birkett about how he survived as an indie for decades.► Check out Viverse: https://viverse.com/BRUSH► Check out Forbidden Solitaire: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3414580/Forbidden_Solitaire/► Learn how to make a game studio from your bedroom, free: https://www.fulltimegamedev.com/opt-in-how-to-make-six-figures

Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 6min
Stirling Rank: How He Sold 9 Million Copies Of His Game, 8 Years Of Dev, Unity v Unreal | Ep. #050
I talk with Stirling Rank about his game Ready or Not, and how he sold 9 million copies...► Check out Bezi► Play Ready or Not► Get 50% off Full Time Game Dev for the next several days

12 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 6min
Julian Ball: Releasing His 8 Year Dream Game (& How It Went), Staying Motivated, Burn Out | Ep. #049
Julian Ball, a dedicated game developer from Switzerland, recounts his eight-year journey creating Len's Island. He shares the emotional rollercoaster of transitioning from single-player to multiplayer, navigating burnout while staying motivated. Julian opens up about how personal struggles fueled his creativity, the intricacies of game aesthetics, and the challenges of collaboration. He also reveals impressive launch numbers and offers insights into promoting a successful game release, all while encouraging aspiring developers to persevere in their creative endeavors.

Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 10min
Fredrik Präntare: How He Sold Millions Of Copies, Solo Dev vs. Team, 3 Years On 1 Game | Ep. #048
I chat with Fredrik Präntare about how he sold millions of copies of his game. ► Check out Bezi► Follow Fredrik

Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 18min
DevDuck: Switching To Godot, Making Games Alone, 5 Years On 1 Game, Staying Motivated | Ep. #047
Dive into the journey of a solo game developer tackling a five-year project in Godot. Discover the balance between creative freedom and the challenges of motivation. Learn about innovative funding methods and the importance of daily engagement in personal projects. Explore the environmental themes behind the game 'Dolphin' and the technical aspects of procedural generation. Finally, hear insights on transitioning from Unity to Godot and the complexities of crafting immersive gameplay experiences.

Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 34min
Jeff Vogel: Making Games Alone For 30 Years, Unity vs Custom Engine, Indie Survival | Ep. #046
I chat with the one of the oldest indie game devs, Jeff Vogel, about how to survive as a solo indie for decades.► Check out Bezi► Follow Jeff Vogel

6 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 26min
Chris Zukowski: How To Make Your First Game Blow Up On Steam (With No Following) - Ep. #045
This chat features Chris Zukowski, a game dev marketing expert known for helping indie developers thrive on Steam. He shares essential strategies for building wishlists without an existing audience, emphasizing quality gameplay over hype. The discussion dives into the significance of community engagement and the role of demos in driving visibility. Listeners gain insights on navigating Steam's algorithms and the importance of genuine marketing efforts. Chris also reflects on the challenges of launching demos and offers realistic wishlist targets for aspiring game creators.