How Publishers Shape Gaming: Ben Kvalo on Publishing and Indie Success
Blogs
•
January 21, 2025
In this compelling episode of Player Driven, Greg dives into the intricate world of game publishing with industry veteran Ben Kvalo, founder of Midwest Games and president of the Wisconsin Gaming Alliance. With a resume that includes leadership roles at 2K, Blizzard, and Netflix, Ben shares unparalleled insights into the evolving responsibilities of a game publisher and how they empower indie developers to succeed in an increasingly competitive gaming industry.
Listeners will discover what game publishers do behind the scenes—from marketing and quality assurance to funding and localization—and how they help developers bring their visions to life. Ben also offers practical advice on pitching to publishers, navigating the complexities of IP rights, and understanding the financial and creative trade-offs developers face when partnering with a publisher. Whether you're an indie developer, gaming enthusiast, or industry professional, this episode is a goldmine of knowledge on game publishing and the essential role it plays in the gaming ecosystem.
Resources and Links:
Key Topics and Timestamps:
01:06 - What Does a Game Publisher Do?: Ben provides a comprehensive overview of a publisher’s role, from marketing and distribution to platform certification.
04:48 - The Services Publishers Offer: PR, community management, asset creation, and how publishers ensure games stand out on crowded platforms like Steam.
10:33 - Trade-offs of Working with a Publisher: Understanding revenue sharing, intellectual property rights, and the value publishers bring to the table.
17:31 - The Importance of Timing: Why market timing is critical to a game’s success and how publishers help developers navigate this challenge.
25:38 - Pitching to Publishers: Ben shares advice on creating effective pitch decks and highlights common pitfalls developers should avoid.
37:15 - Midwest Games Spotlight: Ben introduces exciting new titles like Legend of Babu, Toon Water, and Dark Sky, and discusses their commitment to helping indie studios from underserved regions thrive.
Notable Quotes:
“A publisher works on everything around the game to make sure it’s going to market in the best possible way.” – Ben Kvalo
“Timing is an incredibly important piece of all of this, and you have very little control over it.” – Ben Kvalo
“A game for yourself might truly just be a game for yourself. You need to know your audience.” – Ben Kvalo
Highlights:
What Game Publishers Actually Do: Beyond funding, publishers handle marketing, PR, localization, and even release management to ensure a game’s success.
How Publishers Support Indie Developers: By taking on the business side of gaming, publishers let developers focus on creating while leveraging the publisher’s expertise and resources.
Pitching Tips for Indie Game Studios: Learn what makes a strong game pitch, why understanding your audience matters, and the red flags publishers watch out for.
Spotlight on Midwest Games: Ben shares updates on Midwest’s latest titles, including Legend of Babu—a “Dog of War”-style adventure—and Toon Water, a pixelated RPG blending Bloodborne and Red Dead Redemption.
Listeners will discover what game publishers do behind the scenes—from marketing and quality assurance to funding and localization—and how they help developers bring their visions to life. Ben also offers practical advice on pitching to publishers, navigating the complexities of IP rights, and understanding the financial and creative trade-offs developers face when partnering with a publisher. Whether you're an indie developer, gaming enthusiast, or industry professional, this episode is a goldmine of knowledge on game publishing and the essential role it plays in the gaming ecosystem.
Resources and Links:
Key Topics and Timestamps:
01:06 - What Does a Game Publisher Do?: Ben provides a comprehensive overview of a publisher’s role, from marketing and distribution to platform certification.
04:48 - The Services Publishers Offer: PR, community management, asset creation, and how publishers ensure games stand out on crowded platforms like Steam.
10:33 - Trade-offs of Working with a Publisher: Understanding revenue sharing, intellectual property rights, and the value publishers bring to the table.
17:31 - The Importance of Timing: Why market timing is critical to a game’s success and how publishers help developers navigate this challenge.
25:38 - Pitching to Publishers: Ben shares advice on creating effective pitch decks and highlights common pitfalls developers should avoid.
37:15 - Midwest Games Spotlight: Ben introduces exciting new titles like Legend of Babu, Toon Water, and Dark Sky, and discusses their commitment to helping indie studios from underserved regions thrive.
Notable Quotes:
“A publisher works on everything around the game to make sure it’s going to market in the best possible way.” – Ben Kvalo
“Timing is an incredibly important piece of all of this, and you have very little control over it.” – Ben Kvalo
“A game for yourself might truly just be a game for yourself. You need to know your audience.” – Ben Kvalo
Highlights:
What Game Publishers Actually Do: Beyond funding, publishers handle marketing, PR, localization, and even release management to ensure a game’s success.
How Publishers Support Indie Developers: By taking on the business side of gaming, publishers let developers focus on creating while leveraging the publisher’s expertise and resources.
Pitching Tips for Indie Game Studios: Learn what makes a strong game pitch, why understanding your audience matters, and the red flags publishers watch out for.
Spotlight on Midwest Games: Ben shares updates on Midwest’s latest titles, including Legend of Babu—a “Dog of War”-style adventure—and Toon Water, a pixelated RPG blending Bloodborne and Red Dead Redemption.
Listeners will discover what game publishers do behind the scenes—from marketing and quality assurance to funding and localization—and how they help developers bring their visions to life. Ben also offers practical advice on pitching to publishers, navigating the complexities of IP rights, and understanding the financial and creative trade-offs developers face when partnering with a publisher. Whether you're an indie developer, gaming enthusiast, or industry professional, this episode is a goldmine of knowledge on game publishing and the essential role it plays in the gaming ecosystem.
Resources and Links:
Key Topics and Timestamps:
01:06 - What Does a Game Publisher Do?: Ben provides a comprehensive overview of a publisher’s role, from marketing and distribution to platform certification.
04:48 - The Services Publishers Offer: PR, community management, asset creation, and how publishers ensure games stand out on crowded platforms like Steam.
10:33 - Trade-offs of Working with a Publisher: Understanding revenue sharing, intellectual property rights, and the value publishers bring to the table.
17:31 - The Importance of Timing: Why market timing is critical to a game’s success and how publishers help developers navigate this challenge.
25:38 - Pitching to Publishers: Ben shares advice on creating effective pitch decks and highlights common pitfalls developers should avoid.
37:15 - Midwest Games Spotlight: Ben introduces exciting new titles like Legend of Babu, Toon Water, and Dark Sky, and discusses their commitment to helping indie studios from underserved regions thrive.
Notable Quotes:
“A publisher works on everything around the game to make sure it’s going to market in the best possible way.” – Ben Kvalo
“Timing is an incredibly important piece of all of this, and you have very little control over it.” – Ben Kvalo
“A game for yourself might truly just be a game for yourself. You need to know your audience.” – Ben Kvalo
Highlights:
What Game Publishers Actually Do: Beyond funding, publishers handle marketing, PR, localization, and even release management to ensure a game’s success.
How Publishers Support Indie Developers: By taking on the business side of gaming, publishers let developers focus on creating while leveraging the publisher’s expertise and resources.
Pitching Tips for Indie Game Studios: Learn what makes a strong game pitch, why understanding your audience matters, and the red flags publishers watch out for.
Spotlight on Midwest Games: Ben shares updates on Midwest’s latest titles, including Legend of Babu—a “Dog of War”-style adventure—and Toon Water, a pixelated RPG blending Bloodborne and Red Dead Redemption.
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