► Get 50% off Full Time Game Dev for New Year's: fulltimegamedev.mykajabi.com/ftgd ► Check out Drafty Car: apps.apple.com/us/app/draftycar/id6470429316 Couple notes: 1. Bryan made enough to go full time indie, but is still working his day job. 2. I made a mistake in saying I didn't have a following with BOTH of my games. I was building an audience with Neversong! But with my first game Pinstripe (which is more successful honestly) I didn't have an audience.
It's nice to listen to the big guys like Jhon Blow and Edmund, but I love listening to these devs that are not so famous, cause I can relate a lot to them and their struggles! Please, bring more people like this to the podcast Thomas.
Couple notes here: 1. Bryan made enough to go full time indie, but is still working his day job. 2. I made a mistake in saying I didn't have a following with BOTH of my games. I was building an audience with Neversong! But with my first game Pinstripe (which is more successful honestly) I didn't have an audience.
Agree. It's great to hear people about their success but sometimes it can beat the rest down because it is natural to compare ourselves to others. I almost sent Thomas a message on X the other day saying we need variety.
These episodes are like therapy for someone going through this same process. The struggle is real, and sharing tips to survive is invaluable. Thanks for the videos Thomas.
This video resonated with me, particularly because of the discussion around picking an engine strategically. Like Bryan, I am unable to understand code and so the visual nature of UE blueprints speaks to me and enables me to develop games. Bryan's struggles to reach a financially viable point in game dev also spoke to me - having released my first major game on PS5 and Steam (made with blueprints only) a couple of months ago and it being a somewhat shaky launch - but has been met with mostly positive reviews and is for me the first small step in building a proper studio and a fan base. But of course I am not giving up - I'm working on the sequal and further refining my knowledge of blueprints. I often like to tune into your channel, Thomas, to get some perspective and positive vibes. Thanks to both of you for this great conversation.
I played your game. Its pretty rough around the edges, but a lot of passion and creativity there. If you can round those rough edges your next game will be fantastic.
Enjoyed this one especially since I could relate in so many ways. I use to get sick all the time and for over a decade, doctors couldn't find a single issue wrong. After my divorce 5 years ago, I did not get sick for 3 years straight. My doc at the VA said it could of been stress and I believe it. Anytime I am highly stressed or feel burnout, I feel and/or get sick. On top of that, ever since I served in the Army, I cannot go without my daily water intake and exercise on top of a good diet. If a single element changes, I don't feel good. Sometimes that is all we need to feel good in life. Relief the stress, exercise and eat good food. Take care of your body because unlike video games, there are no respawns. No multiple lives to burn through.
I had a nerve problem that the regular medical system couldn't figure out for 20 years and a functional medicine doc found out I had a rare B12 deficiency in a matter of hours.
I think the only time a codebase for a product is really clean, is when the code is the product. Like when you’re shipping a tool or a library that will be used by devs. Otherwise the code only ever has to work.
I’ve known Bryan for a few years now, I’ve been incredibly proud of him and his progress on his journey throughout game development, and I cannot wait for the future of where Speedway Labs goes!
100% love episodes like this. It's actually easier to learn from an average person's success than "an industry legend" because I can't duplicate an industry legend's life benefits. I can duplicate someone who just didn't give up
crazy man, I was an way into iRacing as well ! I was in the skip barber 2k world cup :) . Small world I remember this guy for the broadcasts and I had no idea he went on to be a successful solo dev this is awesome good for him !
Just from the first minute and a half, this is the podcast that'll be most applicable to me, definitely. Hitting that niche but dedicated audience is an amazing way to do things - and while you're at it, you might just be the reason someone gets into the niche itself.
I’m so glad to hear this take. I’m making a game for a dedicated community too and it’s refreshing to hear this rather than so much indie game content about deciding what genre etc. I’m much more inspired by guys like Adam Hunt from yeah us and Mash Games (aside from the unfortunate launch of BMX streets) than some other developers looking to make a viral/hit game. I love people who make a game for their tribe. Respect!
Great video! lol I’m still using blender 2.79! I have used a bit of 2.92 for rendering though. I found my work didn’t transfer well to later versions and lighting issues etc. I love his comment about learning while having a good time when it comes down to a dream game creation. Completely relate. Neyyah has taken over 6 years and while it wouldn’t have taken that long if I knew what I do now, I learned creating something I’ve had so much passion for.
I don't know if anyone has caught on to something, but if not, I'll give some constructive criticism in the small chance you read this Thomas: Your demeanour is VERY different based on the guest you have on. When you have very famous, successful and respected devs, you interrupt WAY LESS... And you're very patient in letting them finish their point or whatever their saying, and you're very respectful in that regard. Yet, when your guest is a less known dev (a "peer" in a way), not only do you tend to interrupt a lot more (like a lot, seriously...). And because your interruptions lead the guest to have to change gears, when they finish talking, it reaches a weird point where you're like "Ok ok..." or "Gotcha... Gotcha"... while you think what to ask or talk about next, because you lost your tracking, and made the guest lose it too x) If the conversation is well structured, you have notes of every topic you want to talk about, and you know it in advance, ir leads to a very organic conversation where you don't have to think what to ask, because you'll know. And this has happened with other guests (specifically with real successful ones), because you're so interested in what they're saying that you can bounce immediately after they finish talking with a follow-up question, a note, etc.. Also, we can ear you sighing (or heavy breathing) a lot when the guest is speaking, so I suggest changing the mic capture settings... If you do read this, I hope you get my meaning :) I'm loving these talks, and this is just advice I think someone should give you for you to improve your content!
It’s painful to watch when he keeps interrupting. He interviews a lot of great people and I want to hear what they have to say, but sadly he derails the conversation and makes it about himself and his games while someone is in the middle of saying something really interesting (not that I think he does it on purpose, but it feels like he’s trying to relate with the interviewees as much as possible).
Yes, with all due respect to Thomas as I'm sure it's difficult to be wearing so many hats, but in this case I felt as though I wanted about 80% more talk from the guest. I think if he were allowed to elaborate by being given some empty space to fill he had quite a lot more to say, especially in regards to how important it was to have been deep in the niche he was building for.
I'm unreal. Finally getting out of the spaghetti string blueprint stage. Everything is neat and modular. Which take longer to organize the first time, but makes Every project after faster. You start to do what you used to do in a month in a day.
Would you consider doing the sponsored segment right before you ask the question instead of right after? I feel like sometimes if I get distracted during the so sponsorship I might forget the question.
Isn't getting a professional NASCAR driver to publicly call out your game "going viral"? I don't disagree about target markets, but Dale Earnhart Jr. is incredibly famous lol
It’s “going viral” within that specific niche that doesn’t have any game that caters to them. He said that these NASCAR drivers were bored out of their mind in between races, meaning there was literally no competition to keep them occupied.
At around 20:00 this idea of "blueprints" somehow not being code, is not quite correct. I'm a long time developer (30+ years) who CAN code, but choose to use blueprints as it's so much faster. It's really handy as when you forget some syntax you just pull off a pin and it offers the possible options. So far I have not found anything I cannot do in blueprints. Not only that, it's essentially writing code anyway when it's compiled.
@@thomasbrushPlease don’t read the comments, and keep up the good work. I really like all your videos. They are so inspiring. Thanks a lot for all your hard work.
Taking days off from your projects r the worse for getting things left and right haha am team UE5 but it gets tuff especially if you have no code to follow. Things break a lot. But we learn from it eventually. God bless good video.
Started watching this and immediately searched for how race car drivers urinate during the race… saw the word “catheter” and came right back here and hope I forget what I read.
► Get 50% off Full Time Game Dev for New Year's: fulltimegamedev.mykajabi.com/ftgd
► Check out Drafty Car: apps.apple.com/us/app/draftycar/id6470429316
Couple notes:
1. Bryan made enough to go full time indie, but is still working his day job.
2. I made a mistake in saying I didn't have a following with BOTH of my games. I was building an audience with Neversong! But with my first game Pinstripe (which is more successful honestly) I didn't have an audience.
It's nice to listen to the big guys like Jhon Blow and Edmund, but I love listening to these devs that are not so famous, cause I can relate a lot to them and their struggles! Please, bring more people like this to the podcast Thomas.
Couple notes here:
1. Bryan made enough to go full time indie, but is still working his day job.
2. I made a mistake in saying I didn't have a following with BOTH of my games. I was building an audience with Neversong! But with my first game Pinstripe (which is more successful honestly) I didn't have an audience.
It's good to get more diverse experiences like this rather than just the super successes.
Agree. It's great to hear people about their success but sometimes it can beat the rest down because it is natural to compare ourselves to others. I almost sent Thomas a message on X the other day saying we need variety.
These episodes are like therapy for someone going through this same process. The struggle is real, and sharing tips to survive is invaluable. Thanks for the videos Thomas.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets "anxious" when he sees his projects
This video resonated with me, particularly because of the discussion around picking an engine strategically. Like Bryan, I am unable to understand code and so the visual nature of UE blueprints speaks to me and enables me to develop games.
Bryan's struggles to reach a financially viable point in game dev also spoke to me - having released my first major game on PS5 and Steam (made with blueprints only) a couple of months ago and it being a somewhat shaky launch - but has been met with mostly positive reviews and is for me the first small step in building a proper studio and a fan base.
But of course I am not giving up - I'm working on the sequal and further refining my knowledge of blueprints. I often like to tune into your channel, Thomas, to get some perspective and positive vibes.
Thanks to both of you for this great conversation.
I played your game. Its pretty rough around the edges, but a lot of passion and creativity there. If you can round those rough edges your next game will be fantastic.
Enjoyed this one especially since I could relate in so many ways. I use to get sick all the time and for over a decade, doctors couldn't find a single issue wrong. After my divorce 5 years ago, I did not get sick for 3 years straight. My doc at the VA said it could of been stress and I believe it. Anytime I am highly stressed or feel burnout, I feel and/or get sick. On top of that, ever since I served in the Army, I cannot go without my daily water intake and exercise on top of a good diet. If a single element changes, I don't feel good. Sometimes that is all we need to feel good in life. Relief the stress, exercise and eat good food. Take care of your body because unlike video games, there are no respawns. No multiple lives to burn through.
I had a nerve problem that the regular medical system couldn't figure out for 20 years and a functional medicine doc found out I had a rare B12 deficiency in a matter of hours.
I think the only time a codebase for a product is really clean, is when the code is the product. Like when you’re shipping a tool or a library that will be used by devs. Otherwise the code only ever has to work.
I’ve known Bryan for a few years now, I’ve been incredibly proud of him and his progress on his journey throughout game development, and I cannot wait for the future of where Speedway Labs goes!
Loved every second and “off track” convo as those are often what influence our gamedev journey. Thanks guys
These pods are getting better and better, thanks both! Bryan's story is inspiring
Crazy Story! Definitely a lot to learn from Bryan on how to succeed from smart marketing ❤
100% love episodes like this. It's actually easier to learn from an average person's success than "an industry legend" because I can't duplicate an industry legend's life benefits. I can duplicate someone who just didn't give up
Great interview!! Love the conversation, different topics around game dev and life. Im 37, aspiring game dev, very interesting, thank you.
crazy man, I was an way into iRacing as well ! I was in the skip barber 2k world cup :) . Small world I remember this guy for the broadcasts and I had no idea he went on to be a successful solo dev this is awesome good for him !
Just from the first minute and a half, this is the podcast that'll be most applicable to me, definitely. Hitting that niche but dedicated audience is an amazing way to do things - and while you're at it, you might just be the reason someone gets into the niche itself.
Well. Your pad cast skills are up there with the best. Easy to listen too. And it's useful, and plans hope. Thx
Been watching you for years! This is definitely inspiring thank you.
I’m so glad to hear this take. I’m making a game for a dedicated community too and it’s refreshing to hear this rather than so much indie game content about deciding what genre etc. I’m much more inspired by guys like Adam Hunt from yeah us and Mash Games (aside from the unfortunate launch of BMX streets) than some other developers looking to make a viral/hit game. I love people who make a game for their tribe. Respect!
Great video! lol I’m still using blender 2.79! I have used a bit of 2.92 for rendering though. I found my work didn’t transfer well to later versions and lighting issues etc. I love his comment about learning while having a good time when it comes down to a dream game creation. Completely relate. Neyyah has taken over 6 years and while it wouldn’t have taken that long if I knew what I do now, I learned creating something I’ve had so much passion for.
That health segment. I'm glad you didn't cut it.
I don't know if anyone has caught on to something, but if not, I'll give some constructive criticism in the small chance you read this Thomas:
Your demeanour is VERY different based on the guest you have on. When you have very famous, successful and respected devs, you interrupt WAY LESS... And you're very patient in letting them finish their point or whatever their saying, and you're very respectful in that regard.
Yet, when your guest is a less known dev (a "peer" in a way), not only do you tend to interrupt a lot more (like a lot, seriously...). And because your interruptions lead the guest to have to change gears, when they finish talking, it reaches a weird point where you're like "Ok ok..." or "Gotcha... Gotcha"... while you think what to ask or talk about next, because you lost your tracking, and made the guest lose it too x) If the conversation is well structured, you have notes of every topic you want to talk about, and you know it in advance, ir leads to a very organic conversation where you don't have to think what to ask, because you'll know. And this has happened with other guests (specifically with real successful ones), because you're so interested in what they're saying that you can bounce immediately after they finish talking with a follow-up question, a note, etc..
Also, we can ear you sighing (or heavy breathing) a lot when the guest is speaking, so I suggest changing the mic capture settings...
If you do read this, I hope you get my meaning :) I'm loving these talks, and this is just advice I think someone should give you for you to improve your content!
It’s painful to watch when he keeps interrupting. He interviews a lot of great people and I want to hear what they have to say, but sadly he derails the conversation and makes it about himself and his games while someone is in the middle of saying something really interesting (not that I think he does it on purpose, but it feels like he’s trying to relate with the interviewees as much as possible).
Yes, with all due respect to Thomas as I'm sure it's difficult to be wearing so many hats, but in this case I felt as though I wanted about 80% more talk from the guest. I think if he were allowed to elaborate by being given some empty space to fill he had quite a lot more to say, especially in regards to how important it was to have been deep in the niche he was building for.
really enjoying those podcasts!
I'm unreal. Finally getting out of the spaghetti string blueprint stage. Everything is neat and modular. Which take longer to organize the first time, but makes Every project after faster. You start to do what you used to do in a month in a day.
Would you consider doing the sponsored segment right before you ask the question instead of right after? I feel like sometimes if I get distracted during the so sponsorship I might forget the question.
Sure good idea!
This is inspiring. I'm having a hard time with coding, so I, too, have been making my game in blueprints.
1:17:57 in this section of the video the editing is off. Thomas voice is talking but we see the guest talking without sound
Learn a lot in this interview.
The medical industry is disgusting. You guys are awesome. This was great, thank you.
Love the show! However it ,would be nice to see some more gameplay accompanying the themes being talked about.
Hi thomas i have a question...do you know why mu unity is always stuck on validating when it comes to the editor application?
Thomas, what's the game you wanted to make in 2025 that your friend ended making? Can you link what he made?
As a Slovak, I can confirm that corn on pizza is indeed a thing here. I can’t quite wrap my head around why people like it though.
Resume @45:00
Good question, How did you know there is a market for this. @50:45
BLENDER 2.8
was when they finally fixed their janky interface.
Nascar in snow, you're talking about rally cross lol. I'm a WRX guy, I'd play that
Isn't getting a professional NASCAR driver to publicly call out your game "going viral"? I don't disagree about target markets, but Dale Earnhart Jr. is incredibly famous lol
Yeah 🤣
The definition of. Without it the success most likely would never had come.
It’s “going viral” within that specific niche that doesn’t have any game that caters to them. He said that these NASCAR drivers were bored out of their mind in between races, meaning there was literally no competition to keep them occupied.
That is freaky, I was playing wave race 64 over the last week or so!
At around 20:00 this idea of "blueprints" somehow not being code, is not quite correct. I'm a long time developer (30+ years) who CAN code, but choose to use blueprints as it's so much faster. It's really handy as when you forget some syntax you just pull off a pin and it offers the possible options. So far I have not found anything I cannot do in blueprints. Not only that, it's essentially writing code anyway when it's compiled.
Nascar 08 is an amazing game. You should get tony stewart or ricky bobby to shout out the game next
Thomas be looking more handsome every year
Thomas your interviews are so-о-о great, but could you please put your questions/notes somewhere in a front of the camera?!
EXCUSE ME????????
Question : Do you have a high school diploma? I am asking cdriper.
@@thomasbrush I'm sorry )
I mean stop constantly looking to a screen on the right side.
@@thomasbrushPlease don’t read the comments, and keep up the good work. I really like all your videos. They are so inspiring. Thanks a lot for all your hard work.
it was 2.79 - 2.8 and it was an awesome jump
Taking days off from your projects r the worse for getting things left and right haha am team UE5 but it gets tuff especially if you have no code to follow. Things break a lot. But we learn from it eventually. God bless good video.
I think if Thomas worked with a team again he could artistically direct an Unreal game. But blueprints are object oriented literally lol.
Why too Early you uploaded todays video😮
Started watching this and immediately searched for how race car drivers urinate during the race… saw the word “catheter” and came right back here and hope I forget what I read.
man shot for the moon and landed it
I luv pizzah, corn & sodie pop
Why is my comment keep getting deleted?
Thomas, I love the new direction. But please take your mic off your desk, just for us headphone users. Every time you move I hear it in my spine.
yes corn is probably on every pizza
Cool I'm a mobile dev. It's painful
1:19:03 lol
Yeah it was def around 2.8
Feels like i'm living in a twilight zone. Draftycar looks worse than the first iphone racing game released in 2009.
That should tell you something: Doesn’t always matter how it looks :)
you were in slovakia? my homecountry? hmmmm