Video game publisher Midwest Games, created by a Wisconsin native and University of Wisconsin-Green Bay alumni Ben Kvalo, has officially launched in Green Bay with the release of its first game.
Midwest Games is a TitletownTech portfolio company with its headquarters at the Titletown District, adjacent to Green Bay Packers' football stadium Lambeau Field.
Midwest Games founder Kvalo previously was an executive with Netflix, serving as the lead program manager of games. Midwest Games focuses on creating video game talent in the Midwest and other underrepresented regions.
Venture capital firm TitletownTech launched in 2019 through a partnership between the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft. It has investments in six verticals: sports, media and entertainment; health and wellness; agriculture, water and environment; manufacturing and construction; supply chain and logistics; and cross-industry technology.
The launch of the TitletownTech portfolio company included Midwest Games' inaugural game, RA RA BOOM, developed by Cincinnati-based Gylee Games. RA RA Boom is a 2D action, four-player co-op game that includes ninja cheerleaders from outer space and AI robots.
“We met with many publishers during the development of RA RA BOOM and found that Midwest Games was the closest match to our goals and values,” Gylee Games founder Chris Bergman said in a press release. “We're not just working hard to create successful games. We want to expand the opportunities for all developers in our hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio and the rest of the Midwest.”
Midwest Games will also sponsor Minnesota's largest esports and gaming event 2D Con, which runs Aug. 25-27. The sponsorship includes a panel introducing Midwest Games on Aug. 26 and a RA RA Boom Gameplay Contest on Aug. 27.
“As we take this transformative step forward, we're driven by the belief that exceptional games have the power to transcend boundaries and connect communities,” Kvalo said in the release. “The launch of Midwest Games signifies more than just a company. It's a movement that celebrates innovation, diversity and the limitless potential of creators, no matter where they are.”
Alongside Kvalo, Midwest Games leadership includes former XSET co-owner and chief experience officer Rob Martin III. Martin serves as co-founder and head of partnerships. Former Crunchyroll and Discovery Communications vice president Jennifer Corbett is the company's chief marketing officer, and former ProbablyMonsters and Harebrained Schemes Production executive Chris Klimecky is Midwest Games' chief project officer.
“At Midwest Games, our journey began with a resolute commitment to empower the vast talent pool residing in under-served regions,” Kvalo said. “We recognized that innovation and creativity flourish beyond traditional tech hubs, and that's why we set out to champion underrepresented regions, starting with the Midwest."
Kvalo said collaborating with TitletownTech aligns with the company's vision to inspire the next wave of entrepreneurs.
“Our investment in Ben and Midwest Games is a testament to our shared belief that innovation knows no bounds,” TitletownTech partner Cordero Barkley said in the release. “Together, we embark on a journey to redefine entertainment by publishing stellar games and elevating the regional games ecosystem.”
