Wayzata graduate brings the 'Midwest Goodbye' to life with new video game

July 27, 2026 - 19:34

For anyone who grew up in Minnesota, the "Midwest Goodbye" is a familiar ritual. It starts with a simple declaration of leaving, followed by 45 minutes of standing by the door, catching up, and saying goodbye three or four times before anyone actually walks out. Now, a Wayzata High School graduate has turned that quintessential experience into a video game.

The new game, developed by a local programmer who moved away and then returned, captures the awkward, warm, and endless process of trying to leave a family gathering. Players navigate a series of conversational traps, from the aunt who asks about your love life to the uncle who insists on showing you one more photo. Each interaction delays the exit, testing the player's patience and social skills.

The developer said the idea came from a deep sense of homesickness. After living on the coasts for years, he realized that the slow, drawn-out farewell was something he missed. The game is not about winning or losing. Instead, it is a gentle parody of Midwestern politeness and the genuine affection that makes it so hard to leave.

Early reviews from playtesters in the Twin Cities have been positive, with many saying the game feels eerily accurate. One player noted that the hardest level involves getting past a grandmother who insists on packing leftovers. The game is now available for download, offering a digital slice of Minnesota life that will feel instantly recognizable to anyone who has ever stood in a doorway for an hour, saying "Well, I should probably get going."