Why does this prominent Washington state politician think video games can be 'soft power?'

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs proposed that video games could function as a tool of 'soft power' during his appearances at PAX West and the Seattle Loves Indies and Creators Expo (SLICE) 2026. Hobbs framed games as more than economic drivers, suggesting they can shape international perceptions and relationships. His pitch challenged developers accustomed to political debates in games, framing their work as a potential geopolitical asset rather than a cultural controversy.

Hobbs drew a contrast between 'soft power' and 'hard power,' citing scholar Joseph Nye’s 1990 definition of soft power as influencing others through attraction rather than coercion. He highlighted debates over soft power’s role in global politics, including its use in China’s foreign policy and Saudi Arabia’s investments in gaming. Hobbs, a former US Army officer, linked cultural exchange to reduced military conflict, emphasizing his preference for diplomacy over warfare.

Katherine Cross, a sociologist and contributor to Game Developer, critiqued the Trump administration’s prioritization of hard power over soft power initiatives like Voice of America. She argued that devaluing creative industries undermines US cultural influence and economic vitality. Cross contrasted this with nations like Japan and South Korea, which invest in creative economies to bolster their global standing.

Hobbs cited Polish developer CD Projekt Red’s *The Witcher* series as an example of cultural soft power, noting its role in introducing Polish history and literature worldwide. He lamented what he described as the current administration’s reversal of cultural exchange efforts, advocating for continued support of the gaming industry to strengthen soft power. Hobbs characterized soft power as a less competitive and more democratic approach to international relations compared to authoritarian regimes.