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Join us for an engaging new episode of Remotely One, where hosts Rick Haney and Kaleem Clarkson welcome Ben Kvalo, a seasoned professional in the gaming and entertainment industries, and the Founder of Midwest Games! His impressive journey from Portage, Wisconsin, to his current residence split between Los Angeles and Green Bay is not only outstanding but also fascinating. Ben's career trajectory is remarkable, with roots in sports management influenced by his family's football legacy. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early, starting a radio station in college, which led to a brief stint in professional radio before making a significant transition to the gaming industry.
Ben chats about his pivotal career move to 2K, where he contributed to the success of major franchises like Borderlands, BioShock, Civilization, Xcom, Mafia, and NBA2K. His role at 2K provided him with comprehensive insights into the gaming business, igniting his passion for supporting creatives with his operational expertise. Ben shares his initial culture shock when moving from Wisconsin to San Francisco, contrasting the lifestyle differences and the booming tech innovation of the 2010s.
Interestingly, Ben transitioned from games to the film industry with Netflix, before circling back to the gaming world. The differences between the gaming and film industries are significant, with Netflix's revolutionary approach to technology and streaming standing out. Ben discusses the global accessibility of Netflix, which democratized content consumption and catered to diverse viewing habits.
What took Ben to the next stage of his career? His decision to start his own company, Midwest Games, stemmed from his passion for remote work. This ignites a desire among individuals seeking flexibility and a better work-life balance. Midwest Games embraces remote work, fostering a culture that supports underrepresented developers and prioritizes innovation and creativity, letting people control their own destinies.
Not only are Ben’s ideas technologically revolutionary, but they are also groundbreaking in another way: his decision to focus on underserved populations in his hiring practices. Ben explains that the traditional concentration of the video game industry in expensive cities like LA, San Francisco, Seattle, and Austin excludes many talented individuals from other regions. A study shows that two-thirds of the U.S. video game industry is concentrated in these areas, despite the high cost of living and the lack of necessity for physical presence in the digital age.
His journey from Netflix to founding Midwest Games underscores the transformative potential of remote work and the importance of creating flexible, inclusive work environments. By challenging the traditional geographic concentration of the video game industry, Ben is not only building a successful company but also contributing to a more equitable and diverse industry landscape. Join us for this insightful and inspiring episode to hear more about Ben's remarkable journey and his vision for the future of remote work in the gaming industry. Thank you for the amazing chat, Ben!
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