Game Dev Hacks for Hack Scribblers - Like Me!

I’m a big fan of the indie game developer Thomas Brush. I enjoyed Pinstripe, a thoughtful and evocative narrative title he created. Though I don’t make games, his YouTube channel is filled with wisdom applicable to the scribbling craft.

A recent upload, How to Start Making Games (The RIGHT Way), made me think twice before cranking out a full spec screenplay vs. scribbling a pitch document and Act One. as proof of concept. I’ve pulled some salient points from a few TB posts and reframed them vis-a-vis the art of putting words on a page.

Start Small, Finish Strong

Brush urges indie game developers to begin with projects they can actually finish. For screen scribblers, this means tackling short scripts before diving into epic features. Think 10-minute shorts, pilot episodes, or one-act plays. These smaller victories help you build confidence, refine your voice, and avoid the trap of unfinished masterpieces.

Prove the Hook

In game development, Brush advises perfecting the first 15 minutes of gameplay to hook players. For us, that’s the opening pages of a script. Craft an opening that grips your audience—whether it’s an unforgettable scene, sharp dialogue, or a compelling setup. Share those pages with trusted peers and pay attention to their reactions. Are they intrigued? Do they want more? A strong start is your foundation.

Problems Before Solutions

Players feel invested when they solve problems, and readers feel the same about stories. Introduce compelling conflicts - moral dilemmas, unexpected hurdles, or personal stakes - before resolving them. Let the tension simmer. Your audience will thank you for taking them on a journey.

Keep It Simple

An overly complex game frustrates players. An overly convoluted script loses readers. Pare down your story to its essentials, especially at the start. A clear narrative doesn’t mean simple-minded - it means giving your audience room to immerse themselves sans confusion.

Build on What Works

Brush suggests expanding games by refining proven elements instead of adding untested features. Scribblers can do the same: focus on scenes, themes, or characters that resonate and develop them further. Trust what clicks and let that guide your next steps.

Prioritize Choices Over Subplots

Gamers love meaningful choices. Similarly, stories thrive on decisions that challenge characters and drive the plot. Instead of cramming in subplots, focus on moments where characters must make choices - and let those decisions shape your story.

Master the Bookends

Brush stresses the importance of strong beginnings and endings in games. For screenwriters, these are your script’s anchors. Your opening should captivate; your ending should satisfy. Even if the middle is a grind (for characters or readers), those bookends will keep your audience engaged.

Repetition Teaches, Patterns Reward

Games teach players through repetition. In storytelling, recurring themes, motifs, or mirrored arcs give readers a sense of progression. Patterns help your audience see growth and mastery in your characters, making the journey feel intentional.

Constraints Spark Creativity

Some of the most innovative ideas come from limitations. Game developers often work with tight budgets or timeframes. Screen scribblers can adopt similar constraints: write a two-character script, set your story in a single location, or impose a page limit. Boundaries sharpen focus and fuel originality.

Define Your Win Condition

Brush’s collaborator Zier Nelson Jr. asks, “What does success look like?” For screen scribes, this means knowing what you want from a project. Are you exploring a new genre? Polishing your dialogue skills? Or just aiming to finish? Define your goal early to stay on track.

Clarity Is Key

While subtlety has its place, sometimes being explicit is necessary. Whether it’s exposition, world-building, or plot mechanics, ensure your audience isn’t left scratching their heads. Clear storytelling enhances engagement.

Iterate Relentlessly

Game developers test and tweak constantly. Scribblers should do the same. Write a rough draft, seek feedback, revise, and repeat. Treat your script as a work in progress, not a static product.

Surprise Them

Games delight players with unexpected twists. When scrolling for the cinematic screen, think of ways to subvert expectations. Whether it’s a plot twist, a hidden layer to a character, or an unconventional resolution, unleash surprises to keep your audience hooked.

Add the “Funsies”

In his games, Brush defines “funsies” as delightful little extras, like smashing pumpkins or quirky animations. In our scribbling, these might be moments of humor, endearing character traits, or clever wordplay. Maybe they don’t drive the story, but they make it memorable.

Deadlines Drive Progress

Brush shares how a tight deadline pushed him to deliver a game in 14 days. Similarly, scribblers can benefit from a hard-out. Set realistic milestones for drafts and rewrites, and hold yourself accountable. Progress beats perfection. Sure, you need a process, but you also need a product.

Build Connections

Brush suggests developers engage influencers by personalizing their outreach. For scribblers, this means tailoring pitches to producers, acknowledging their feedback, or finding creative ways to stand out. Building genuine connections can open doors. My pal just subbed his latest spec to the Black List and got some awesome actionable feedback - for free!

Lean Into Strengths

Brush focuses on storytelling because that’s his strength. Screen scribes, too, should identify their superpower. Whether it’s dialogue, character, or atmosphere, let your strengths shine - and let the rest support your vision.

Celebrate Small Wins

Every completed script, polished scene, or insightful critique is a step forward. Celebrate these small victories as they build the foundation for larger achievements.

Great stories, like great games, a driven by focus, discipline, and authenticity. Start small, refine your craft, and trust your instincts. In the words of Thomas Brush, “consistent effort compounds into success.” When you’re done scribbling your daily pages, check out the man’s YouTube channel and/or give one of his games a try.

And remember, you’re never facing the blank page alone. You have your scribbler’s toolbox to support and distract you. So, ABS. Always. Be. Scribbling.