Why does this prominent Washington state politician think video games can be ‘soft power?’
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs promoted video games as a form of cultural ‘soft power’ during his appearances at PAX West and Seattle Loves Indies and Creators Expo (SLICE) 2026, addressing game developers directly about the medium’s potential influence beyond entertainment.
Hobbs referenced the concept of soft power—a nation’s ability to influence other countries through cultural and economic means rather than military force—as applicable to the video game industry. The pitch suggests that games developed in Washington and across the United States could serve as ambassadors for American culture and values on the global stage.
The soft power argument acknowledges video games’ capacity to bridge cultural divides and foster international understanding through interactive storytelling and shared experiences. However, the framing also raises questions about potential risks, particularly whether such cultural influence could become a tool of dominance or ideological imposition rather than genuine cross-cultural exchange.
This positioning of the video game industry as a strategic asset reflects growing recognition among policymakers of gaming’s significance in geopolitics and cultural diplomacy. The appeal to developers in Washington state appears designed to encourage continued industry growth and investment in the region while framing game development as serving broader national interests.