In this episode of Player Driven, Greg sits down with Ben Kvalo, founder of Midwest Games and a seasoned industry professional with experience at 2K, Blizzard, and Netflix. Ben shares his insights into the evolving role of publishers in the gaming industry, the challenges indie developers face, and how Midwest Games supports underserved creators around the world.
Key Discussion Points:
- The Role of Publishers: How publishers provide vital services like marketing, quality assurance, localization, and platform navigation, beyond just funding games.
- Timing and Adaptability: Why market timing and the ability to pivot are essential for a game's success.
- Developer-Publisher Relationships: The trade-offs between retaining creative control and accessing the resources a publisher can provide.
- Insights for Indie Developers: Tips on pitching games to publishers, avoiding common pitfalls, and understanding what makes a game stand out.
- Midwest Games’ Mission: Highlighting the studio's commitment to supporting developers in underserved regions with innovative titles like The Legend of Babu and Toon Water.
Featured Games from Midwest Games:
- The Legend of Babu – A "baby God of War" adventure game featuring a lovable canine companion.
- Toon Water – A pixelated Souls-like Western blending Bloodborne and Red Dead Redemption.
- Dark Sky – A JRPG-inspired deck-builder offering a unique non-roguelike twist.
Where to Find Midwest Games:
Follow Midwest Games on social platforms to stay updated on their latest announcements and upcoming titles.