Esports and the Economy

Policy Committee    April 19, 2023

PHILADELPHIA, April 19 – State lawmakers learned more about the billion-dollar industry of esports and its positive impact on the economy and education during a House Majority Policy Committee roundtable discussion and tour. The committee traveled to Localhost, which is owned and operated by Nerd Street, to hear from experts and business insiders on the growing esports industry, and its potential positive effects on Pennsylvania’s economy and workforce. 

• Hosts: Rep. Danilo Burgos (D-Philadelphia)
• Testifiers:
  • Bill Thomas- Founding Board Member, PIEA
  • Dr. Jennifer Metz, Ph.D- Associate Professor, Esports Management at Harrisburg University
  • Ishmael Hall- General Manager, Localhost Philadelphia
  • Pete Powell- Chief of Staff, Nerd Street

Agenda + Testimony

• Hearing agenda and testimony: Esports and the Economy

Media Release + News Coverage

• Lawmakers acknowledge esports as part of equitable solution, April 19, 2023
• Technical.ly, How can esports provide an on-ramp for high-paying careers in STEM?, April 19, 2023
• KDKA News Radio, Esports growing as potential pathway to STEM careers, April 19, 2023

Photos

• Click here to view photos from this hearing