Game Characters Come Alive: Cosplay at Gaming Conventions

Are you curious about the world of cosplay at gaming conventions? This blog covers everything from the roots of cosplay to its vibrant role in gaming culture. We’ll explore how cosplayers bring characters to life, celebrate craftsmanship, build communities, and even influence game design. Whether you’re a seasoned cosplayer or just intrigued, dive in and see how cosplay transforms gaming conventions!

This article is part of our blog series on gaming conventions. For even more content, be sure to head over here and check out the other blogs!

The Origins of Cosplay at Gaming Conventions

The origins of cosplay can be traced back to 1939, when attendees at the first World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in New York dressed up as characters from science fiction stories. Then, in the 1980s, cosplay as we know it gained momentum in Japan, primarily within the anime and manga fandoms. The word “cosplay” itself was coined by Nobuyuki Takahashi, a Japanese director and producer, who combined the words “costume” and “play.”

As gaming culture grew, especially in Japan, cosplayers began to include characters from video games, and the trend spread to gaming conventions worldwide. It allowed fans to express their devotion to games not only by playing them but also by embodying the characters they loved. By the 2000s, cosplay was common at major gaming events, with conventions such as PAX and gamescom offering special areas and contests dedicated to cosplay.

The Relationship Between Gaming and Cosplay

As mentioned above, cosplay has become an integral part of gaming culture, connecting the in-game worlds with real-life creativity. Here’s a closer look at how these two worlds complement and influence each other:

Bringing Digital Characters to Life

Cosplay brings fictional characters into the real world, creating a tangible presence for characters you usually only see on your screens. Video games feature a huge variety of characters with unique personalities, styles, and lore.

Creative Expression and Craftsmanship

Cosplaying iconic video game characters allows fans to express their admiration for games on a highly creative level, from designing costumes to learning makeup techniques. The intricate designs and lore game developers create often inspire this creativity.

Cosplay contests at gaming conventions often focus on craftsmanship, with judges awarding points for accuracy and detail. These contests demonstrate how gaming-inspired costumes encourage creativity and a high level of artistic expression. But more on that later!

Conventions as Celebration and Community Spaces

Gaming conventions are natural gathering places for fans to celebrate their favorite games, and cosplay enhances this by allowing fans to represent characters in real life. This adds an extra layer to the event’s atmosphere, creating immersive environments where fans can interact as characters from different games.

Cosplay builds community. For many fans, attending conventions is less about the games and more about meeting like-minded people. Through cosplay, fans find others who share their love of the same characters, genres, or styles. Cosplay meet-ups, group photo shoots, and themed gatherings foster friendships that can last well beyond the convention.

Overlapping Communities

Speaking of community, both gaming and cosplay communities thrive on connection, passion, and fan-driven creativity. Gamers often join cosplay groups, while cosplayers become avid gamers drawn by the strong community vibes in both spaces.

Online forums and social media platforms often feature crossovers, with cosplayers sharing gaming tips or gamers showing appreciation for cosplay efforts. Platforms like Twitch, where cosplayers sometimes stream in costume, and Discord, where communities gather to discuss gaming and cosplay tips, reflect how these hobbies overlap and howthe people support each other.

Cosplay as a Tribute to Gaming Culture

Cosplaying a beloved video game character is often an homage to the game’s design, story, or emotional impact on players. Fans who dress up as characters like Geralt from The Witcher or Tracer from Overwatch do so to honor the developers and artists who created these worlds and show their appreciation for the character’s place in gaming history.

This celebration also extends to lesser-known indie games, where cosplayers take pride in representing niche characters and connecting with other fans who recognize and appreciate them.

Feedback Loop with Game Development

Some game studios take notice of cosplayers, especially when a character becomes a fan favorite. Cosplay communities often influence game development decisions, as developers recognize the characters and designs that resonate the most. Cosplayers have even inspired character redesigns or collaborations where studios provide detailed character sheets specifically for the cosplay community.

Here are a few exciting examples:

Overwatch: In response to cosplayers’ challenges with specific costumes (such as Mei’s intricate costume details), Blizzard adjusted designs in later iterations of the game to make costumes more practical for cosplayers.
Street Fighter V: Cammy’s costume was partially influenced by how cosplayers interpreted the character.
Final Fantasy XV: Square Enix partnered with cosplayers to showcase the designs of the game’s characters through the eyes of passionate fans.
The Witcher 3: CD Projekt Red released high-quality cosplay reference materials for the community.

League of Legends: The development team made minor adjustments to the character proportions of Lux’s Star Guardian skin based on cosplay feedback to make the design easier to replicate.
World of Warcraft: Blizzard worked with professional cosplayers to create official costumes and in-game items inspired by fan designs.
Cyberpunk 2077: CD Projekt Red took a unique approach by collaborating with the cosplay community in the design process. They featured cosplayers at promotional events and showcased custom outfits from the game.

The Influence of Gaming on Cosplay Styles and Techniques

Video games, especially in genres like fantasy and sci-fi, often feature complex armor and props that require advanced cosplay techniques. Crafting armor inspired by games like World of Warcraft or Destiny has led cosplayers to explore new materials and methods, such as thermoplastics, EVA foam, and even 3D printing, helping the cosplay community evolve alongside gaming.

As game graphics become more detailed, cosplayers strive to recreate even the smallest features, such as specific fabrics or lighting effects on armor. This has made cosplay an innovative art form where gaming trends directly influence cosplay techniques and materials.

Cosplay as Part of Competitive Gaming Culture

Cosplay and competitive gaming often intersect, especially at events such as eSports tournaments. Cosplayers may dress as characters from the games, adding excitement and flair to the competitive atmosphere. Some tournaments even hold cosplay contests as part of the event, celebrating the players and the creative fans who bring the characters to life.

Image: DreamHack Atlanta 2023 / Adam Antor

Some examples include:

DreamHack: DreamHack is a global eSports festival where players compete in major tournaments across multiple games. They often have large cosplay competitions where eSports players and fans participate in the creative and fun festivities.

The International: The International (TI) is the largest Dota 2 tournament in the world and hosts one of the most high-profile cosplay competitions in the eSports world. Each year, fans come together to showcase their interpretations of Dota 2 heroes.

Cosplay Expands the Cultural Impact of Gaming

Game characters are often powerful symbols of themes such as heroism, resilience, or adventure, and cosplayers embody these values through their portrayals. This makes game characters more than just characters on a screen-they become personal icons that people identify with and celebrate.

By bringing characters out of games and into real life, cosplay amplifies the cultural impact of gaming and allows fans to connect with characters on a deeper level.

Types of Conventions that Are Great for Cosplay

Gaming conventions that focus heavily on fan culture and immersive experiences are ideal for cosplay.

Here are some categories to consider:

Large conventions (think PAX & gamescom):

These events attract attendees from all over the world, including developers, media, and fans. Large conventions are ideal for ambitious cosplayers because they offer exposure to a large audience and press. Many game studios also set up elaborate booths and photo areas that provide great backdrops for character cosplay.

Image: FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan Festival 2016

Franchise-specific conventions (such as the FF XIV Fan Festival):

Fans who attend franchise-specific conventions often share a passion for specific games or studios, creating an ideal setting for cosplaying characters from those franchises. These conventions usually include cosplay contests explicitly themed around the game, encouraging incredible attention to detail and creative costumes.

Community-Focused Conventions (e.g., MAGFest, Polaris, Caggtus):

These smaller, often fan-run conventions can be more relaxed. MAGFest, known for its focus on video game music and culture, has a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Community conventions are great for cosplayers who want to try out new costumes in a more casual, accessible environment.

Anime and gaming hybrid conventions (such as Anime Expo):

Events like Anime Expo in Los Angeles cater to both anime and gaming fans. Their cosplay contests allow fans to compete against characters from both anime and games, making it an excellent option for cosplayers with crossover interests.

Conventions with Cosplay Contests

Many gaming conventions have cosplay contests where fans can showcase their costumes and win prizes.

Here are some notable ones:

PAX Cosplay Contest: PAX conventions (held in cities such as Seattle, Boston, and Melbourne) host cosplay contests that celebrate various gaming genres and characters. These contests emphasize creativity, inclusivity, and fun, making them ideal for both experienced and novice cosplayers.
gamescom cosplay village: gamescom in Germany is Europe’s largest gaming convention, and it dedicates an entire area to cosplay, known as the cosplay village. Here, fans can participate in contests, photo shoots, and workshops, and the area is filled with professional cosplayers and artists.
Polaris: The cosplay contest at the Polaris Convention in Hamburg is a highlight for many, especially because of its structured competition and rewards. In 2024, Polaris allowed 15 cosplayers to compete, with categories celebrating various crafting skills, from sewing to armor building.
Anime Expo: Anime Expo hosts an extensive cosplay competition known as the Masquerade, a highlight of the convention each year. This event celebrates craftsmanship and performance, allowing cosplayers to showcase their skills in costumes inspired by anime, manga, and Japanese video games. The competition is divided into skill-based divisions (Beginner, Intermediate, and Master) so that participants can compete against others of a similar skill level.

Tips for Cosplay Beginners

Start Simple and Build Up Gradually

If it’s your first time, consider starting with a simpler costume. Choose a character you love but with manageable details and materials so you can focus on comfort and confidence rather than complex construction. Simple doesn’t mean boring – many recognizable characters have iconic, easy-to-recreate looks!

Research Costume Rules and Prop Guidelines

Conventions have specific rules for costumes, especially when it comes to prop weapons and oversized accessories. Many conventions prohibit realistic-looking weapons or metal props, and some prohibit large props for safety reasons. Always check the convention’s rules to avoid altering or leaving behind any part of your costume.

Prioritize Comfort and Mobility

Conventions involve a lot of walking, standing, and waiting, so comfort is key. Choose breathable fabrics, and if your costume includes heavy armor or elaborate accessories, try to distribute the weight evenly. Break in any shoes you’ll be wearing, and consider adding pockets or a small bag to carry essentials. If possible, create a costume that you can sit in and easily adjust for breaks!

Prepare for Practical Needs

Speaking of breaks, some costumes are challenging for practical needs, like going to the bathroom, especially if they’re complicated to take off or put on. When designing or purchasing your costume, think about how easy it will be to take breaks. Modular costumes with removable pieces or zippers in key areas can make a big difference.

Plan for Repairs and Emergencies

Conventions can be tough on costumes, especially in crowded areas. Bring a small repair kit with essentials like safety pins, glue, and sewing thread that matches your outfit. This kit will be invaluable if your costume or prop starts to fall apart during the day.

💡 Tip: Check out our blog for a downloadable packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything. It includes a special section for cosplayers!

Prepare for Photos

Cosplay draws attention, and people are likely to ask for photos. If you’re comfortable, prepare some poses in advance. However, don’t feel obligated to say “yes” to every photo request, especially if you’re taking a break or feeling overwhelmed. Conventions are busy, and it’s perfectly okay to set boundaries and prioritize your own comfort.

Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks

It’s easy to forget about self-care when you’re in costume and navigating a busy convention. Be sure to drink water throughout the day and take regular breaks. A refillable water bottle and snacks can be lifesavers for a long day in costume.

Connect with Other Cosplayers

Cosplay is a community experience, and conventions are a great place to meet others who share your enthusiasm. Many conventions have designated cosplay lounges or meetups where cosplayers gather. This can be a fantastic opportunity to learn, share tips, and get inspired.

💡 Tip: If you want to brush up on your networking skills, take a look at our networking guide!

Practice Your Makeup and Wig Styling

If your character requires special makeup or a wig, practice before the convention to get comfortable with the application process. Allow plenty of time on convention day to prep your makeup and wig, especially if it’s complex. Having some makeup remover or bobby pins on hand can help with any quick fixes.

Have Fun and Embrace the Experience

Cosplaying at a gaming convention is about celebrating the characters you love and having fun! Remember, every cosplayer started somewhere, and every convention is a chance to learn something new. Soak in the excitement, be proud of your costume, and enjoy the sense of community that makes cosplay unique.

💡 Tip: For more general tips for your first convention, check out our Convention Survival Guide!

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