PHL Gaming 2025
PHL Gaming is the first feature gaming expo hosted by the City of Philadelphia in partnership with local Gaming Entrepreneurs. With special events and programs throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to connect with Tech Companies, Local Gamers and Designers, and University Professors, and more to learn about the future of gaming, the gaps that exist in Professional gaming, and how Gaming can prepare our young people for careers in STEM and more!
Council Member Thomas’s focus is to work with the local gaming community to create a comprehensive list of initiatives, programs, and ideas that will support the growth of the gaming community as well as signal to the rest of the country that Philadelphia is a gaming city. The government is in no way expert and that is why we are working hand in hand with the gaming community on what they want and need to see in the city.
This Gaming expo will be an all-day event aimed at educating, entering, and, most importantly, engaging with the Philadelphia gaming community.
Additionally, in true gaming fashion, we will feature on-site competitions where gamers can compete for amazing prizes.
In addition to panels, organizations in the E3 gaming sphere and Tech world will be on-site to share information about their incredible programs. Last but not least, featured sponsors will host mini-Gaming Competitions throughout the venue with games like Super Smash Brothers!
To further its mission of community support and engagement, PHL Gaming has introduced a charitable donation entry fee. Instead of a standard ticket price, the event invites attendees to give back to the Philadelphia community through essential goods.
EVENT SCHEDULE:
10:00 AM: Doors Open
10:30 AM: Welcome Address (Council. Thomas, LH/PHL Staff)
11:00 AM: Free Play, Breakout Sessions, Game Dev Showcase
11:00AM: "Careers in Gaming" - Retro Lounge
12:00 PM: Tournament Check-in, Gaming Challenge Area Opens
12:30PM: "Entering the Esports Arena" - Retro Lounge
12:45 PM: Tournament Play Begins - NBA 2K/Smash
2:00PM: "What is a Creator in the Gaming Industry?" - Retro Lounge
03:00PM: Tournament Finals - Console Lounge/Stage
03:45PM: Closing Remarks and Event Close
Entry Incentive: Giving Back
In alignment with Councilmember Thomas’s commitment to supporting the city’s most vulnerable, guests are asked to provide a donation as their entry fee. These contributions directly support local nonprofits and families in need.
Accepted Donations Include:
Toys & Games: New or gently used board games, card games, and toys to support local youth centers and holiday drives.
Coats & Winter Wear: New or gently used winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves for children and adults (supporting initiatives like Cradles to Crayons).
STEM Supplies: Educational tools or kits that can help bridge the digital divide for students entering tech.
To reflect the competitive nature of the expo and emphasize the focus on community support, the following tournament and challenge details have been added to the PHL Gaming event description.
1. Gaming as a Career Launchpad
Target Audience: Parents, Educators, Students (Middle/High School), and University Professors.
Description: This session explores how skills developed through gaming—like strategic planning, rapid problem-solving, teamwork, and data analysis—directly translate into high-demand careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and. We will identify current gaps in K-12 and university curricula and discuss how city partnerships can introduce game design, coding, and e-sports management programs into local schools and youth centers.
2. Professional Gaming & E-Sports Infrastructure
Target Audience: Aspiring Professional Gamers, E-Sports Managers, Team Owners, and Venue Developers (like Nerd Street Gamers).
Description: What does it take for Philadelphia to host Tier-1 professional gaming events? This conversation focuses on the business side of e-sports. Topics include the investment needed for dedicated gaming venues, the creation of regional leagues, player development programs, and navigating the financial challenges of professional gaming careers. We will discuss what regulatory or zoning support the City government can offer.
3. Indie Devs & Creative Economy
Target Audience: Local Game Developers (PC, Console, Mobile, and Tabletop), Artists, Programmers, and Tech Recruiters.
Description: This round table centers on supporting the creators who make the games and content. We will discuss the specific needs of Philadelphia's independent development scene, including access to venture capital, affordable studio space, networking opportunities, and specialized technical training (e.g., Unity/Unreal Engine workshops). The focus is on fostering an environment where talented individuals choose to start and grow their gaming studios in Philadelphia.
Competitions and Challenges
PHL Gaming features high-stakes tournaments and skill-based contests designed to engage players of all levels. From legendary fighters to sports simulations, attendees have the chance to win prizes and bragging rights.
Featured Tournaments:
Super Smash Brothers Ultimate: The staple of the Philadelphia gaming scene. Battle through brackets in this single-elimination tournament for title glory.
NBA 2K: Put your virtual basketball skills to the test in the city that loves its hoops. Compete as your favorite franchises to be crowned the PHL Gaming 2K champion.
Skill Contests & Challenges:
Time Challenges: Test your speed in "Speedrun" style tasks or reaction-time mini-games. The fastest players on the leaderboard each hour take home exclusive swag.
Highest Score Challenges: Arcade-style competitions where the goal is simple—get your name to the top. Available on various featured titles including classic arcade hits and modern high-score games.
Game Developer Showcase
PHL Gaming will also feature a showcase of games created by Philadelphia-area developers. The following games will be on display for you to enjoy.
Ball Busters