WA Office of the Secretary of State
On February 4th, a handful of us here at Paizo made what’s become an annual trek to Olympia, Washington’s state capital, to attend the Legislative Game Day hosted by the Secretary of State’s office.
These Legislative Game Days give Washington-based game companies and game-related organizations an opportunity to demo our games and talk about our industry and outreach with our state politicians. The Paizo delegation this year was Cosmo Eisele, Ron Lundeen, Joe Pasini, Jason Keeley, and myself. Other game companies in attendance were Wizards of the Coast, World of Kylia, Lethal Shadows, Lichenwood Games, TinkerHouse Games, and Heart of the Deernicorn. The organizations who were there included Evergreen State College, Foundry10, and Gamers Engaged (who also host the Gauntlet, an annual charity fundraising board game tournament Paizo’s been a part of for years). State legislators and their staff played games with us, asked plenty of great questions, and educated themselves about our industry. According to a 2021 economic study, the tabletop games industry in the state was estimated to generate roughly $2 billion in economic value.
One thing that Washington Secretary of State Steven Hobbs makes abundantly clear is that these events are an excellent way to demonstrate to lawmakers the variety of businesses in the state and how our business concerns aren’t dissimilar to other industries that are more prominent in their minds. Talking to us in the gaming industry also helps illustrate how legislation can sometimes have unexpected consequences if a law is worded poorly. For example, sometimes a law regulating golf tournaments can have an impact on a Magic: The Gathering tournament, and laws about 3-D printed firearms, if written, too broadly, can affect the 3-D printing industry for hobby games. These game day events aren’t just fun and games, they’re educational for all involved.
WA Office of the Secretary of State
A highlight of these events for me is making connections with folks in the state’s library system. The state library system not only oversees the libraries in everyone’s communities, but they also oversee libraries in correctional facilities, rehabilitation centers, and youth programs—all places I think games can make a real impact. The state librarian, Sara Jones, attended and played some games, and we got a chance to talk at length to Russell Roe, the Branch Library Services Program Manager.
Toward the end of the evening, in a conversation with Steven Hobbs, he mentioned that Paizo has been involved with Washington’s Legislative Game Days since he first started it and gave his appreciation of our involvement. We’re happy to be involved and we’re going to keep coming back as long as these events take place.
WA Office of the Secretary of State
If you want to have a chance to talk to folks from the office of the Secretary of State in a gaming environment, you can! For those of you who attend some of the area’s local conventions, like PAX, Emerald City Comic Con, or OrcaCon, keep an eye out for the Office of the Secretary of State’s booth. Steven Hobbs and his staff have a table at these shows to do community outreach, register people to vote, and educate attendees on what the office does—and of course, to have some good ol’ geeky fun! You might be able to get a pin or die too.
Adam Daigle
Director of Narrative
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