Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs Pitches Video Games as Geopolitical Soft Power

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs recently presented a unique perspective on video games during appearances at PAX West and the Seattle Loves Indies and Creators Expo, known as SLICE. Hobbs pitched game developers on the idea that video games function as a form of geopolitical soft power. Soft power refers to a country using cultural and economic influence rather than military force to shape international relations. This concept stands in direct contrast to hard power, which relies on conflict and coercion.

Hobbs drew on his background as a former United States Army officer and current lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard to frame his argument. Having served overseas in Kuwait and Iraq, Hobbs noted that cultural and trade exchanges can foster positive global relations, potentially reducing the likelihood of military conflict. He pointed to examples like Poland, referencing how developer CD Projekt Red shares Polish history and literature through games like The Witcher series. This mirrors how historical cultural exports, such as Voice of America broadcasts during the Cold War, allowed people behind restrictive borders to experience external culture.

The notion of video games as a diplomatic or geopolitical asset opens broader discussions surrounding cultural influence, economic investment, and how creative industries are viewed on the world stage. Experts and creators have noted that prioritizing soft power elevates the work of artists, creatives, and knowledge workers, highlighting the cultural and economic contributions of the interactive entertainment industry.