City Councilman Isaiah Thomas (D-at large) 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.
Thomas, as a father, councilman 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,” 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.”
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.
Danae Mobley, the executive director of 1Philadelphia, a coalition of Philadelphia technology professionals aiming to grow and foster collaboration among 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,” Thomas said, “it’s time we add Devs.”
PHL Gaming 2024 will be held at Localhost in Philadelphia (401 N. Broad St.) on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m. ••
To learn more and register, go to PHLGaming.com.
