Just as a refresher, here are some of the rules regarding cosplay and related behavior.
-All props HAVE to be checked (this is copy-and-pasted directly from the website)
All prop weapons brought to the show MUST be approved at the Info Booth as soon as you arrive. We will be looking for the following criteria:
It cannot fire any sort of projectile. (Nerf guns are only allowed if they have been deactivated and cannot fire.)
It cannot be an airsoft weapon. (Yes, even if it’s deactivated.)
It cannot be sharp or pointy enough to cut or pierce someone with moderate pressure. This includes all real swords, daggers and knives. It also includes ceramic blades, needles, syringes and anything that can pierce (for example, a Little Sister syringe made of wood would not be allowed)
-Nudity (again, copy-and-pasted from the website)
[In regard to "booth babes":] Partial nudity, the aggressive display of cleavage and the navel, and shorts/skirts higher than 4” above the knee are not allowed. Cosplayed characters that are playable in-game are an exception to this rule (within reason), and exhibitors must obtain permission from show management prior to the show.
Cosplaying attendees may be asked to alter or modify their costume if it is considered overtly sexual.
-No stilts, remote-controlled vehicles, or skateboards/roller skates
There's seriously not enough room in the convention for this.
-Don't punch, kick, or harass people.
Being in character is fine, but don't actually bother other con-goers. It doesn't matter if you're trying to be the Deadpool-iest Deadpool. Don't do it.
-[Update] There are rules against live steel, but does not include chainmail. Chainmail is allowed! (confirmed by AaronC for PAX East 2016)
I personally have been cosplaying at PAX East since 2014 like a lot of other users here, and can't wait until 2017. Now, what are you planning on cosplaying?
Posts
I am eager to see what costumes you all come up with and I very much look forward to seeing all of you very soon. 2017 will mark my fourth PAX East and I cannot wait because this will be the best yet!
https://allmylinks.com/topherxbeads
Really looking forward to taking pictures of you cosplayers again, just like this past year.
PAX East Attendee - 2015, 2016
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/comment/33934137/#Comment_33934137
Explicitly not banned as of PAX East 2016 per @AaronC .
Just where did you find a rule against "live steel"? That term tends to include either all things made of steel or things made of steel that are in the shape of a weapon but dull. I can't find such a prohibition.
EDIT
"It cannot be sharp or pointy enough to cut or pierce someone with moderate pressure. This includes all real swords, daggers and knives."
Also, I was referring to live steel weapons, and there were questions last year about if chainmail would be included in that category. It isn't.
So cool. I look forward to seeing all your cosplays. Please be sure to post pics!
Either of those would be so freaking awesome.
Can't wait to see you again!!
Except for: Warmachine, Super Dungeon and proudly watching my husband play games since 2006.
Final Fantasy. Persona. Assassin's Greed. Disgaea.
Went as KH3 Sora for PAX West, so that'll be my backup haha.
No. You should be fine. Besides, unless you're actually a booth babe, sexy or revealing cosplays are generally no problem.
http://www.cityofboston.gov/news/Default.aspx?id=20420
The Special Edition is out and this will be the year it finally happens. Almost ready to cold-cast the Dragon Priest mask and I just need to pour the Ebony Dagger.
Edit: Changed my plans away from this because my whims are fickle.
I went to East this year, and knew this ordinance was in place. I also cosplayed as Nathan Drake, gun and all. As long as you aren't waving your fake gun around, the Boston PD aren't going to bother you. I always put away the more scary parts of my cosplay before leaving the con, which everyone should be doing, really.
In any case, I'm fine if the PD choose to confiscate it through a set of several unlikely circumstances.
I'm more worried about getting to the weapons check and being told I can't have them at the con for some reason.
Bummed to hear about that fake gun ordinance, too. Guess I'll be bringing a duffel bag with me to the con.
I'll be bringing Ratchet and Clanl back with me! Clank is animatronic, and I love people freaking out when they realize he moves and talks.
I can't guarantee approval, because I don't speak for the staff at PAX, so take this advice with a grain of salt. However, when I cosplayed as Leon Kennedy at PAX East 2014, I had a replica handgun (FN Five-seveN) which they inspected and allowed with no problem (and I was actually complimented on, as well). Now when I say replica, I mean it was a Blue Gun, which are police and military training props, made of hard rubber. They are weighted to simulate weapon weight (again, for training exercises), and they are made to look a lot like the real thing (for ergonomics). The only difference is, they are bright blue in color. With mine, I spray-painted it flat black, and detailed the fire-selector and metallic bits with a detail brush. They don't have removable magazines, moving parts, or even a barrel; just a big chunk of rubber.
SO... I got through with it, but to my knowledge it is always at the discretion of staff whether a prop will pass or fail inspection. And when it comes down to it, if they decide against you, there isn't any argument -- they are in charge. So, do so at your own risk.
And, of course, don't brandish it inappropriately >.> I kept mine in my drop-leg holster at all times, except for when I posed in photo ops.
On the subject of the thread, I haven't cosplayed since 2014, sadly. I started working on my new cosplay for last year, got halfway done, and then lost my motivation. I want to finish it up for this year, but... god, i'm just... i'm just so lazy...
Plus, circulating back around to the gun thing, I was hoping to have a full-sized Kalash to sling across my back and use for photo-shoots. But there is a big difference between a holstered pistol, and a full sized rifle. I was thinking of potentially painting the tip bright orange to make it a little more crowd friendly, and then fashioning a small barrel cover to temporarily slip over the orange-bit for photo ops... but even then, I dunno if i'd even give it a shot.
They check bags before you can get in so I'd just forget about the gun and knife alltogether.
Oh, I'd show it to the con staff. Not trying to sneak anything in. I just mean I'd put it in a bag so I wouldn't get hassled by the cops on the way to the convention center. Especially since the pattern of lasgun I'd be using looks an awful lot like an AK-47 from a distance. Toy gun law or no, that's gonna attract attention.
I joke. Probably just doing OW stuff at PAX East. I'm thinking gender bent punk Tracer one day, and Team Dad S76 the other.
YOU'RE MY HUSBANDU AND CARRIE IS MY WAIFU
Imma squish yo face in a few weeks and again at PAX FYI.
I am planning on cosplaying for the first time this PAX East and I had a few questions. I am planning on doing either Link from Breath of the Wild, Link (Specifically his Skyloft costume) from Skyward Sword, or Robin from Fire Emblem. Obviously it would be hard to know, but any idea how these would be "received"? Also any general advice for someone doing this for the first time?
Thanks.
I'm not too familiar with Fire Emblem beyond their crossover into Smash so I can't speak too well on the level of attention you'd get. If my circle of friends are any indication though, a good number of 3DS owners are going to recognize you.
Link in any form is iconic, you'll have no problem being well received.
As for first timers, just go into it and have a good time! Get some go to poses down for photos because you'll probably get stopped for a bunch, maybe work on mannerisms and behavior depending on how deep you want to get into character.
https://allmylinks.com/topherxbeads