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The Future Of The Video Game Industry | With Ben Kvalo of Midwest Games
Manage episode 412053670 series 3411636
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In this episode of the Hustle Nation podcast, we talk with Ben Kvalo, founder and CEO of Midwest Games, a video game publisher. We discuss the nostalgia of video games and the joy they bring, as well as the history of video game development in Wisconsin. Ben shares his personal journey with video games and how it led him to found Midwest Games. He also talks about the lessons he learned from his time at Netflix and the importance of building a strong culture in a company. In this conversation, Ben Kvalo discusses the importance of encouraging feedback and dialogue in a company culture. He emphasizes the value of challenging ideas and the benefits of collaboration and feedback. Ben also talks about the need to change the game industry by investing in talent from different regions, particularly the Midwest. He highlights the potential for success in game development outside of traditional gaming hubs. Additionally, Ben shares insights into funding and developing games, the perception of video games in society, and the future of gaming with cloud gaming. He concludes by inviting listeners to connect with him and explore exciting games from Midwest Games.
My greatest takeaway from this conversation is the profound impact of fostering a company culture that champions feedback, challenges, and dialogue. Ben's emphasis on these values, drawing from his experiences at companies like Netflix, underlines the necessity of nurturing an environment where innovative ideas thrive through collaboration and constructive criticism. Moreover, his journey from a passionate gamer to a visionary leader, intent on changing the industry's geographic biases by showcasing the Midwest's capabilities, inspires a broader perspective on where and how the future of gaming can evolve. The discussion about the future, particularly the possibilities with cloud gaming, hints at a landscape ripe with opportunities for developers and publishers willing to embrace change and invest in untapped talent and ideas.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Nostalgia for Video Games
03:20 - Video Game Development in Wisconsin
08:42 - Personal Journey with Video Games
11:00 - Founding Midwest Games
24:27 - Building the Team and Unique Culture at Midwest Games
26:28 - Encouraging Feedback and Dialogue
28:17 - The Importance of Challenging Ideas
30:58 - Collaboration and Feedback at Netflix
32:06 - Changing the Game Industry
36:37 - Investing in the Midwest
41:01 - Funding and Developing Games
46:10 - The Perception of Video Games
49:27 - The Future of Gaming: Cloud Gaming
53:26 - Supporting Game Development in the Midwest
54:25 - Connect with Ben Kvalo
55:27 - Exciting Games from Midwest Games
Notes:
Ben Kvalo on LinkedIn
Midwest Games website
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www.HustleLeaders.com
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