Cosplay at the Show
Cosplay at RetroWorld Expo is a delightful fusion of video game, anime, and pop culture characters, transforming the convention floor into a kaleidoscope of creativity and nostalgia. Attendees pay homage to iconic gaming heroes like Mario, Sonic, and Mega Man, as well as beloved characters from classic anime such as Goku, Sailor Moon, and Pikachu. Yet, the spectacle doesn't stop there; the convention becomes a melting pot of pop culture icons, with cosplayers bringing to life figures from beloved movies, TV shows, and comics.
From superheroes like Spider-Man and Wonder Woman to characters from cult classics like Star Wars and Ghostbusters, every corner boasts a diverse array of costumes that blur the lines between fantasy and reality. As cosplayers mingle and pose for photos, they create a vibrant tapestry that celebrates the enduring influence of video games, anime, and pop culture on our lives.
Cosplay Contest - hosted by Extra Life CT
The Cosplay Contest is open to attendees of all ages! If you would like to participate please click the link below to register
- You must be a registered attendee to compete
- You will be given your entry number on the day of the contest. Contestants will be seen by the judges in order of entry.
- Please check in at the Extra Life CT Booth on the show floor the day of the event prior to the contest to be given your entry number
- The contest is open to characters from published works; movies, TV shows, comic books, cartoons, video games, and card games.
- Each contestant may only enter one costume into the contest.
- Contest will take place on the main stage of the Exhibit Hall Floor
Extra Life CT brings together gamers from across Connecticut for gaming with a purpose. Hosted in support of Connecticut Children's Foundation, this group sees gamers of all stripes uniting to raise funds and awareness for pediatric healthcare. From video game marathons to tabletop gaming tournaments, participants engage in a variety of activities, all with the shared mission of making a positive impact on the lives of young patients and their families. Extra Life CT embodies the spirit of community and compassion, demonstrating how the gaming community can come together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Cosplay Contest Rules
Cosplay will be evaluated on the following criteria:
Craftsmanship – How the entrant made their costume, use of materials, and creativity.
Likeness/Detail – How close the contestant resembles the character they are cosplaying/detail on the costume.
Presentation – How the entrant presents their costume to the judges in pre-judging and how the entrant showcases their costume during the contest.
- Please do not linger in the show area, in character or not. Everyone deserves a chance to have their costume seen, so please be mindful of contestants waiting their turn behind.
- No acrobatics/flips/cartwheels will be allowed.
- No part of your costume should be removed, destroyed, or otherwise startle or interact with the audience.
- Contestants are not allowed to throw anything into the audience, use projectiles, or use anything in the show area that will leave a mess. This includes (but is not limited to) liquids, glitter, and confetti.
- No pyrotechnics, fire, explosive devices, live animals, or similar special effects can be used during the competition. All prop weapons must conform to the prop policies, including being checked.
- Costumes and props must be at least 50% made OR 50% altered by the entrant. If a costume is bought it must be disclosed at the time of judging. (ex: props that are 3-D printed by someone else but painted by you are allowed etc., bought costumes are allowed as long as they are altered in a way that shows your skill and craftsmanship)
General Cosplay Rules
- The use of makeup/body paint/body socks to darken your skin to the appearance of another human race will not be permitted.
- All cosplay must cover "swimsuit areas" – no nudity. Body paint costumes are not allowed
- Please follow the "PG‐13 rule"
- Hate symbols, even historical hate symbols, will not be tolerated on costumes, gestures, or anything of the sort.
Prop Policy
All costume weapons and props must conform to federal, state, and local law. A weapon is considered anything that could accidentally or purposefully cause injury to another attendee. We ask that you use common sense when bringing any prop weapon to the event. Avoid bringing hard prop weapons to the event. It is encouraged to use light materials such as foam, composite, light woods, and cardboard be used for prop weapons. All prop weapons must be inspected.
Functional firearms are not permitted in the event or on event grounds. Not allowed:
- actual firearms
- BB guns
- airsoft guns
- pellet guns
- paintball guns
- cap guns
All prop, toy, or fake firearms must be clearly marked with a brightly colored safety cap on the barrel. We will have a cosplay check and all foam weapon look a likes must be tagged by a SoCal representative.
Functional projectile weapons are not permitted including;
- slingshots or other sling devices
- crossbows
- long and short bows
- rubber band guns, etc.
Bows and the like are permitted so long as the string is removed or loosened to the point that it cannot fire a projectile. Arrows or projectiles are allowed so long as they do not have a sharp tip and/or any sharp tip is removed.
Metal blade weapons that are sharpened are not permitted; swords daggers knives throwing stars axes
Blunt weapons are not permitted including; hockey sticks baseball bats nunchaku clubs brass knuckles slug devices, etc.
Chemical weapons and explosives including fireworks are not permitted. Incendiary weapons, i.e., which spark, shoot flame(s), burn, smolder, or can otherwise cause combustion or which exist for no purpose other than to be lit with a combustion device.
Self-defense weapons, i.e., pepper spray, mace, stun-guns, and tasers are prohibited.
Any prop that does not adhere to the guidelines above will be asked to be stored off property, admittance will not be allowed otherwise
