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Larry Hryb’s Transition to Advising Midwest Games
Larry Hryb, also known as Major Nelson, gained recognition for his extensive career at Xbox where he served as a conduit connecting the company with its devoted fan base through podcasts and videos. After bidding farewell to Xbox last year, Hryb has ventured into new avenues within the industry. A notable contribution is his role as an advisor to Midwest Games, a publisher based in Green Bay.
Insight into Hryb’s Involvement with Midwest Games
During a recent encounter at the Midwest Games booth at PAX East, I had the opportunity to delve into the specifics of Hryb’s newfound position with the company.
GamesBeat: Tell me about this new role for you at Midwest Games.
Hryb: Upon my retirement from Microsoft last year, Ben Kvalo, CEO of Midwest Games, introduced me to this new venture. Our discussions highlighted Ben’s compelling vision, aligning closely with my passion for supporting independent developers. Drawing from my experience at Xbox, where I cherished interacting with independent developers, collaborating with Ben and the impressive team he has assembled felt like an ideal fit. The opportunity to contribute to this innovative movement was one I couldn’t pass up. Being part of the dynamic environment that Ben has cultivated fills me with excitement and gratitude for the impact we can collectively achieve.
GamesBeat: You were working at one of the biggest companies in the world, and now you’re advising a much smaller company. How does that feel different?
Hryb: The transition has been exhilarating, as it allows me to leverage the wealth of knowledge accumulated over my 23 years at Microsoft. Collaborating with a team that exhibits agility in decision-making, reminiscent of the early days at Xbox, inspires me. The efficiency and sense of immediacy in addressing challenges within a smaller team contrast starkly with the bureaucracy encountered in larger corporations. This shift presents an invigorating opportunity to navigate solutions swiftly and efficiently, drawing from the collective expertise of Midwest Games.
GamesBeat: I think about the Xbox 360 era and Xbox Live Arcade. These games remind me a bit of that era. There was something special about that.
Hryb: Reflecting on that period evokes a sense of nostalgia for the pioneering role we played in spearheading mainstream digital distribution through platforms like Xbox Live Arcade. Witnessing the parallels between that transformative era and the current landscape where Midwest Games is curating a portfolio of standout games evokes a sense of excitement. Evolving technologies and innovative gameplay mechanics continue to drive the evolution of the gaming industry, encapsulating the essence of creativity and discovery.
GamesBeat: What kind of advising are you doing? Is it mostly about the business side, about getting that digital landscape figured out?
Hryb: My advisory role is multifaceted, encompassing a spectrum of responsibilities ranging from strategic business insights to navigating the intricacies of the digital landscape. A collaborative approach characterizes our advisor calls, where we engage with the Midwest Games brain trust to unravel challenges and ideate solutions. Whether the focus is on public relations, communications, strategic planning, or technical nuances, I remain adaptable to the diverse needs of the team, fostering a culture of innovation and resilience.
Navigating the Crowded Indie Game Market
As the indie game sector burgeons with creativity and diversity, quest for visibility and recognition amid the burgeoning competitive landscape poses a formidable challenge. Developers are tasked with devising innovative strategies to differentiate their offerings and resonate with audiences amidst the cacophony of digital platforms and diverse content.
GamesBeat: Back in the 360 days, it felt like you had a few games coming out every season. Now there are so many of these kinds of indie games. How do developers stand out in a more crowded market?
Hryb: The democratization of game development, epitomized by the accessibility of tools like Unity, has engendered a proliferation of indie games that transcend traditional barriers. Amidst this abundance, the quest for discoverability emerges as a pivotal concern for independent developers. Ben’s strategic curation of quality games at Midwest Games illuminates an avenue for these gems to shine amidst the din, underscoring the essence of portfolio management in fostering visibility and resonance in a saturated market.
GamesBeat: Among these games, what do you think is especially exciting right now?
Hryb: Each game within our portfolio at Midwest Games exudes a distinct aura of creativity and innovation. Whether it’s the collaborative gameplay dynamics of Ra Ra Boom, the immersive challenges of Duck Paradox, or the serene ambience of Lullaby of Life, each title epitomizes the essence of experiential diversity and creative ingenuity. Our meticulous approach to portfolio curation, anchored in collaborative insights and strategic foresight, underscores the commitment to amplifying the narrative of independent game developers.
GamesBeat: We’re seeing a lot of volatility in the triple-A space. Games are becoming more expensive and taking longer to make. Do you think that this space is maybe the healthier one in gaming right now?
Hryb: The escalating complexities and costs associated with triple-A game development underscore the sustainability challenges prevalent in this segment of the industry. As the pressure to deliver blockbuster titles within stringent timelines intensifies, the arena of independent game development emerges as a bastion of creative freedom and innovation. The burgeoning indie game sector, typified by its agility and creativity, embodies a vibrant ecosystem that retains the intrinsic allure of game development, untethered by the exigencies of corporate frameworks and investor demands.
GamesBeat: You had a long run at Microsoft, and you had a kind of celebrity there. You had a persona. Is that a hard thing to leave behind, or do you feel like that’s stayed with you?
Hryb: Reflecting on my journey at Microsoft evokes a sense of nostalgia for the milestones and innovations we spearheaded during my tenure. While my persona as Major Nelson remains etched in the annals of gaming history, I embrace the transition to new challenges and endeavors with a sense of anticipation and zeal. The legacy of creating impactful experiences and fostering community engagement at Xbox serves as a foundation for my current role at Midwest Games, where the ethos of collaboration and creativity continues to fuel our collective pursuits.
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