COUNCILMEMBER ISAIAH THOMAS RALLIES TECH PARTNERS TO LAUNCH “PHL GAMING 2024”

CM Thomas hopes to elevate Philadelphia as a technology & gaming hub

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Councilmember Isaiah Thomas on Tuesday, August 6th, announced PHL Gaming 2024 with gaming and technology sector partners at Localhost in Philly. The convention, in its second year, looks to expand accessibility for a growing sector in Philadelphia.

Councilmember Thomas, as a father, councilmember and coach, sees video games and technology as a productive outlet for young people and believes fostering the development of the industry can set young people and entrepreneurs up for economic and personal success.

“I’m proud to stand here today with local and global partners in technology and gaming to announce PHL Gaming 2024, our second annual gaming festival. We know that young people need productive things to do,” Councilmember Thomas said. “As government, we have an opportunity to expand access to the gaming and technology industries for young people and promote the development of these businesses.”

PHL Gaming 2024 would not be possible without its valued partners. Nicodemus Madehdou, founder and CEO of JumpButton Studio, a local game development studio with a mission to increase minority representation in gaming, said having support from public and private partners makes it easier to grow a gaming business in Philadelphia. “When I was growing in my educational journey, I wished something like PHL Gaming existed,” Madehdou said.

Philadelphia has a robust but growing local gaming space. Danae Mobley, the Executive Director of 1Philadelphia, a coalition of Philadelphia technology professionals aiming to grow and foster collaboration between local talent, spoke at the announcement. The organization works with nonprofits, government, and entrepreneurs to “make sure that Philadelphia tech looks like Philadelphia” she said. “When you think about tech, it’s ubiquitous, it’s everywhere, it’s engrained in every part of our lives… which is why events like PHL Gaming are so important.”

Winton Steward, Google’s head of government affairs and public policy, said that Google is “incredibly excited to invest in this conference because we believe in the power of collaboration and unity” and shares the desire to “inspire and equip young minds to explore and excel in technology and gaming.”

“Philadelphia is often viewed as a city of Eds, Meds, and Beds,” Councilmember Thomas concluded, “it’s time we add Devs.”

PHL Gaming 2024 will be held at Localhost in Philadelphia (401 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19108) on Saturday, September 14th, 2024 at 10AM. Readers can learn more and register at PHLGaming.com. If you are interested in covering, RSVP with [email protected].