During the game's years of development, Jonathan Blow put about US $200,000 of his own money into it's development, most going towards the hiring of David Hellman for artwork and for living expenses.
Prior to release, Jonathan Blow withdrew Braid from the 2007 Slamdance Guerrilla Games Competition in protest after the controversial Super Columbine Massacre RPG was dropped from the competition despite being one of six finalists.
Jonathan Blow came up with the concept of Braid in December 2004 while on a trip to Thailand.