Washington Pop Culture Guide
Anime, Gaming & Film: Seattle Cons, Global Gaming Giants & Pacific Northwest Fandom.
The Silicon Forest of Fandom
Washington state is a premier Pacific Northwest hub for gaming innovation and pop culture IP, home to industry giants like Microsoft Xbox, Valve, Bungie, and Nintendo of America.
Seattle anchors anime retail, major conventions like Emerald City Comic Con and Sakura-Con, and tech-driven immersive experiences, while Redmond/Bellevue fuel game development and esports.
Gaming & Interactive Industry Hubs
Microsoft / Xbox Headquarters
Redmond, WA
The global command center for Xbox Game Studios. While the campus is private, the visitor center offers a glimpse into the history of Halo, Gears of War, and the console that changed gaming.
Valve Corporation
Bellevue, WA
The secretive HQ of the creators of Steam, Half-Life, Portal, and Dota 2. A pilgrimage site for PC gamers, though strictly business-only inside.
Anime & Pop Culture Districts
Kinokuniya Seattle
Located within the historic Uwajimaya Village in the International District. A flagship store with extensive manga, art books, Ghibli exclusives, and a café.
525 S Weller St, Seattle, WA 98104
Pink Gorilla Games
A beloved local chain specializing in retro and modern video games, anime crossover merch, and rare collectibles from Japan.
International District & University District
Sweet Kitty
Dedicated anime figures, merchandise, cosplay gear, and kawaii items. A go-to spot for fans looking for specific character goods.
Seattle Area
Major Conventions & Fan Events
Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC)
Official Site →March 5–8, 2026 | Seattle Convention Center
The premier multi-genre event in the Pacific Northwest. Features comics, anime, gaming, celebrity panels, and a massive artist alley.
Sakura-Con
Official Site →April 3–5, 2026 | Seattle Convention Center
The Northwest's largest anime convention. Known for 24-hour programming, cosplay contests, industry guests, and a deep focus on Japanese culture.
Film & TV Production Districts
Seattle & Puget Sound Locations
Seattle, WA
Urban streets, Pike Place Market, and natural spots known from 'Sleepless in Seattle', 'Grey's Anatomy', and the 'Twin Peaks' legacy. The misty, evergreen backdrop defines the Pacific Northwest noir aesthetic.
Local Studios & Indie Scene
Seattle Metro / Tacoma
Smaller facilities and locations supporting indie films, commercials, and regional shorts. A hub for creative media projects outside the Hollywood system.
Theme Parks
Wild Waves Theme & Water Park
Federal Way, WA
Washington's largest combo park featuring high-flying coasters, family rides, and water slides.
Creative Tech
Seattle Tech Corridor
Seattle, WA
A powerhouse for VR/AR startups, animation labs, and interactive media innovation.
Washington Itineraries
One-Day Seattle IP Exploration
- AMInternational District — Kinokuniya + Uwajimaya for anime/merch.
- LunchThemed café or Pike Place eats.
- PMVR/AR pop-up or escape room.
Weekend Convention + Gaming
- Days 1–2: Sakura-Con (April) or ECCC (March) — panels, cosplay, exclusives.
- Day 3: Redmond/Bellevue — Xbox/Valve area vibes (public spots) + Wild Waves.
Visitor Tips
- Con Badges: Sell out fast—pre-register early.
- Transport: Light rail for city; car for suburbs.
- Seasons: Spring for cons; summer for parks.
Explore by Region
Seattle & Metro
Anime retail, Conventions, Film spots
Redmond/Bellevue
Tech Hub, Xbox, Nintendo, Valve
Tacoma/Olympia
Regional spots & Indie scene