Making Games that Matter with Midwest Games

Midwest Games: Pioneering Game Dev in Wisconsin

• Ben Kvalo’s Journey: From Netflix to founding Midwest Games in Wisconsin.
• Supporting Local Talent: Midwest Games focuses on nurturing game development in the region.
• Future Prospects: Plans for growth and the potential impact of a 30% video game development tax incentive.

After half a decade at Netflix helping to spearhead their entry into the gaming sector, Ben Kvalo is now making waves with his own venture, Midwest Games, based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This move isn’t just a business decision; it’s a strategic play to ignite a game development renaissance in an area ripe with potential but underserved in terms of technological investment.

Building a New Hub

Wisconsin is emerging as a nexus for game development, with companies like Raven, Respawn, and PUBG setting up shop within a 15-mile radius in Madison. Kvalo’s vision extends beyond just business growth. He aims to foster a robust community around game development, reminiscent of the thriving scenes in major coastal cities.

“I saw an opportunity to plant a flag here and support the local and similarly underserved regions globally,” Kvalo explained. He’s not just bringing his expertise back home; he’s bringing hope and tangible support through initiatives like MDEV, a Midwestern spin on the Game Developers Conference.

Championing Local Talent and Diversity

Kvalo’s commitment to the Midwest is personal. Having witnessed many talented individuals leave for opportunities elsewhere, he is determined to reverse this brain drain. Midwest Games is actively working with the Entertainment Software Industry to secure a 30% video game development tax incentive in Wisconsin, which could substantially lower the barriers for local developers.

Diversity is also a cornerstone of Kvalo’s strategy. Drawing from his experiences at Netflix, where diverse content like South Korean films found global audiences, he’s applying similar principles to game development. About 40% of Midwest Games’ team comes from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a variety of perspectives that enrich the creative output.

Navigating Challenges and Looking Ahead

Despite the promising outlook, the path isn’t without obstacles. The recent slowdown in venture capital funding has been a significant hurdle, making it challenging for game developers to commit full-time. Kvalo is optimistic, however, about overcoming these challenges through increased investment and support for the sector.

Midwest Games is not just about developing games; it’s about developing a sustainable ecosystem that supports game devs with marketing, localization, and quality assurance. The company has already made strides by releasing titles like “The Lullaby of Life” and has several more projects in the pipeline.

As Midwest Games continues to grow, the potential for Wisconsin to become a major hub in the gaming industry grows with it. With continued support and investment, Kvalo’s vision of a thriving, diverse game development community in the Midwest could well become a reality.

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