Today we’d like to introduce you to Brent Bushnell.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve spent the past 25 years turning imagination into reality — designing games, attractions, and live experiences that make people laugh, learn, and connect. Today, as co-founder of DreamPark, I’m helping pioneer downloadable theme parks — immersive worlds you can experience anywhere. Mixed reality is a magical technology that is finally portable and premium enough to deploy everywhere from public parks to mall common areas and your backyard.
In 2012, I co-founded Two Bit Circus, an immersive entertainment company born from a love of blending art, science, and technology to inspire wonder. I see myself as an “engineering creative”, using tools and modern technology to create social experiences that bring people together. I believe play is one of the most powerful tools for learning and connection.
As Chairman of Two Bit Foundation, I’ve had the privilege of bringing that belief to K-12 learning, helping students tap into their creativity through hands-on STEAM experiences.
It’s been a pretty wild ride — from Shark Tank and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to our own traveling carnival, from building a cloud that rains tequila to a fireball dunktank. Along the way, we’ve been lucky to see our work recognized through awards from Clio, Cannes Lions, TripAdvisor, Popular Mechanics and Fast Company.
But at the end of the day, what drives me is simple: I love creating experiences that bring joy, connection and learning.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges — and opportunities — right now is the sheer amount of empty real estate. At a time when so many people are home, alone, and feeling disconnected, these unused spaces represent a blank canvas. I’m fascinated by how technology can bring people together in the real world, not pull them apart. The challenge is finding sustainable ways to activate this vacant retail — to turn it into playgrounds for creativity, connection, and community. That’s what drives a lot of my current work at DreamPark, Two Bit Circus, and beyond.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
DreamPark Immersive, Inc, Two Bit Circus, Two Bit Foundation
Any big plans?
DreamPark is expanding with operators across the country and will launch multiple new content experiences before the end of the year. Two Bit Circus’s pop-up is incubating five new attractions and will continue operations in Santa Monica with regular private events and occasional public exhibition days. Two Bit Foundation has a new building on Western and is running camps and a variety of new programming for K-12. A new offering includes an open-source arcade cabinet that students can build and monetize.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dreampark.app/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitdreampark/ https://www.instagram.com/brentbushnell/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visitdreampark/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreampark-immersive/ linkedin.com/in/brentbushnell
- Twitter: https://x.com/visitdreampark
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@visitdreampark
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