GDC 2025 Session Viewer
Cosplaying Games: Exploring the Culture from Character Design to Marketing
Lisa Kneidl (Senior Communications Manager, ICO Partners)
Pass Type: All Access Pass, Core Pass - Get your pass now!
Track: Business & Marketing
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All
In this session, Lisa will explore the symbiotic relationship between cosplay and the games industry. Topics include character design considerations, creating marketing materials tailored for cosplayers, expected costs, and budget-friendly strategies for creative marketing.
The lecture will feature projects Lisa has worked on through ICO's creative partnerships, such as Baldur's Gate 3, Tunic, and En Garde!, along with other notable examples. Drawing from her experience as a cosplayer, Lisa will offer detailed insights into both sides of the industry.
Structure:
- Introduction to cosplay
- Fashion in video games and designing "cosplayable" characters: Analyzing iconic costume designs and their appeal.
- Supporting cosplayers as developers: Providing helpful resources like cosplay guides, 360-degree character views, and detailed screenshots.
- Collaborating with cosplayers: Budgeting for costumes, understanding costs, and realistic lead times.
By the end, attendees will understand how to leverage cosplay to enhance their games and community engagement.
Takeaway
Attendees will gain insights into designing characters and creating effective marketing materials targeted at cosplayers and budgeting for cosplay collaborations. Lisa will share examples from her work on games like Baldur's Gate 3 or Tunic, providing advice on fostering and supporting the cosplay community to enhance game engagement and visibility.
Intended Audience
Developers, Community Managers and Marketeers keen to learn how to best work with and for Cosplayers.