What is Cosplay Chess?
Welcome to MechaCon’s Cosplay Chess. For those of you who are not familiar with what cosplay chess is let me explain. Cosplay chess is played like regular chess, except when the chess players move a piece there is a corresponding Cosplayer for that piece who moves as well on a larger than life sized Chess Board. When one player takes out the other player’s piece the two corresponding Cosplayers will battle it out in real time. For you Harry Potter fans this event functions a lot like wizards chess. So come expecting wonderful costumes, exciting battles and dramatic deaths!
This years theme:
Coming Soon!
How do I participate?
All participants will need to fill out a Registration Form at MechaCon. The Registration Forms can be found at the Cosplay Registration Table located near the Fan Tables in Artist Alley.
The event will be held on Sunday, July 29th in General Assembly at 11:00 AM.
The Chess Pre-Meet will be on Saturday. You will find out what position you’ve been placed in at the meet.
Pre-Register
In order to pre-register for this event, please email: [email protected]
Please use “Cosplay Chess Sign Up” as your subject. Include the name of the character you will be dressed as along with the name of the show/movie/book/etc. the character is from.
Everyone who pre-registers for this event will still need to fill out a registration form at the convention.
You can also talk about the event on the Cosplay Chess Facebook Group.
Cosplay Chess Rules
- You must be in costume to participate in this game, however everyone else is welcome to watch.
- Final say on positions are up to the Coordinators in charge.
- Arrive at line up on the day of the event on time.
- We do not accept original characters. If you are unsure about your costume do not hesitate to ask for clarification.
- Actual violence will NOT be tolerated under ANY circumstance. Fights between pieces are to be mock battles only. Anyone who is seen to be violent or acts in a violent manner, whether physically or with outlandish verbal language, will be escorted from the event and replaced by someone else without hesitation.
- We give out an award to the best Trash Talker so feel free to insight some fear into your enemies.
- Food and Drinks are NOT allowed on the chess mat.
- Shoes that have sharp points or edges will not be permitted on the chess mat. This is to preserve the chess board for future use.
- Excessive amounts of glitter, fake blood, sand, etc. will not be allowed on the chess floor.
- You have to be able to stay in character and be able to banter with people you do not know.
- Pay attention to your team leaders, otherwise known as the chess players. They will be telling you where to go.
- Attending the pre-meet for Cosplay Chess is MANDATORY for participation.
- The pre-meet will be on Saturday time TBA
- We ask all participants to learn the signature attack(s) of their character. This carries over to defeat in battle as well, so if your character has a catchphrase they shout out at their death, feel free to use it. The more creative the better seeing as there is an award for the Best Death.
- This event is for both participants AND the audience members. We want to put on a good show, in order to do that each and every participant will need to be in character and following the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have a friend(s) who is/are cosplaying as my sidekick(s). Can they be on the same piece as me?
A: Yes, they can. They will have to fill out a registration form as well.
Q: My character isn’t from an Anime but they are not an Original Character, can I still participate?
A: Yes. Characters from movies are allowed. Celebrity Illusions are allowed. Characters from TV shows are allowed. Characters from american animated features/tv shows are allowed.
Q: I will be cosplaying as a girl version of my character but in cannon they are a boy, can I still participate in the event?
A: Yes. Gender-bent versions of characters are allowed.
Q: What day of the convention does Cosplay Chess take place?
A: Sunday.
Q:Are there two rounds of cosplay chess?
A: Not this year.
Q: Can I pick what position I want to be in?
A: No. Placement is left up to the coordinators of the event.
Q: How long is the pre-meet?
A: The pre-meet will be about an hour to an hour and a half in run time.
Q: What is the pre-meet about?
A: The pre-meet covers the rules and is where you will find out what position you are in. You will be able to meet and mingle with your team members and enemies, which will help you to feel more comfortable bantering with them during the event itself. The coordinators will be available to answer any questions you have about the event in person during this time.