Midwest Games Secures $3.1M in Latest Funding Round

Erin Ashley Simon and others invest in Midwest Games. Credit: Midwest Games/Erin Ashley Simon

Regionally-focused video game publisher Midwest Games announced money that it has secured $3.1M USD in a funding round led by Green Bay Packers and Microsoft-backed VC TitletownTech, Tundra Angels, Brightstar Wisconsin, Wisconsin Investment Partners,  Bay Tek Entertainment owner and CEO Larry Treankler, and XSET co-owner and gaming and esports personality, host, and advocate Erin Ashley Simon (pictured above).

Erin Ashley Simon’s investment is a reunion of sorts, as the company was co-founded by  former XSET co-owner and Chief Experience Officer Rob Martin III. The company emerged from stealth earlier this year and was also co-founded by game industry veteran (2K Games, Blizzard Entertainment) and former Netflix senior management Ben Kvalo.

The company formally revealed its existence in August.

 “I am thrilled to be part of Midwest Games, a company that shares my passion for creating opportunities and revenue streams in the gaming industry that never existed before,” said Erin Ashley Simon, in a release. “Ben Kvalo’s focus on areas that often lack opportunities for underserved communities deeply resonates with my personal and professional mission. As a woman of color, I believe in opening up spaces and creating access for all. Midwest Games is providing access to talent that has long been overlooked, and I look forward to taking down those barriers together and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate and succeed in this exciting industry.”

Midwest Games recently announced the first title it plans to publish called, “RA RA BOOM,” a 2D beat ‘em up offering four-player coop. That game is being developed by Cincinnati-based Gylee Games.

The company said in its formal launch announcement that it would focus on creating opportunities for game developer talent across the Midwest and other underrepresented regions. Midwest Games is currently headquartered at the offices of partner and lead investor TitletownTech.