Washington State Official Pitches Game Developers on Geopolitical Soft Power

State Leadership Meets Creators at PAX West and SLICE

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs recently brought an unexpected perspective directly to game creators in Seattle. During appearances at both PAX West 2026 and the Seattle Loves Indies and Creators Expo (SLICE) in September, Hobbs engaged developers with an argument that looks beyond traditional tax revenue: interactive media functions as a vital instrument of geopolitical soft power.

As reported by Game Developer, Hobbs made the rounds across both show floors to discuss how the medium shapes global perspectives. While state governments frequently court tech and entertainment studios to bolster local employment and regional GDP, the outreach highlighted gaming's expanding cultural footprint on the world stage.

Expanding Cultural Diplomacy into Interactive Media

For decades, government strategies around cultural influence have centered on traditional media formats like film, television, and literature. However, the international reach and sustained engagement of interactive entertainment have increasingly prompted policymakers to view video games through a similar diplomatic lens.

While no specific state legislation or funding initiatives have been formally announced in conjunction with these convention discussions, Hobbs' presence at local industry events reflects a notable shift in how civic leaders characterize game development. Rather than viewing studios solely as commercial operations, policymakers are recognizing the subtle ways games carry cultural values and storytelling across international borders.