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Upcoming Saints Row duds let fans properly represent 3rd Street
Showing proper respect for the 'hood is about to get a lot easier thanks to an agreement between Saints Row developer Volition Inc. and gaming-centric clothier Insert Coin which allows the latter to release a line of garments emblazoned with Saints Row themes. Included in the preview images on Insert Coin's site are a Saints Flow t-shirt, a classy Johnny Gat polo shirt, a hoodie sporting Saints colors and, most crucially, leggings covered in the grinning, Cheshire smile of Professor Genki. Visit Insert Coin for a full view of what the company has planned. While there's no specific release date attached to these garments just yet, Insert Coin hopes to release the line at some point in "early 2014." Prices have also yet to be determined, but if the price tags attached to Insert Coin's line of men's tees are any indicator, expect this Saints Row merchandise to be relatively spendy.
League of Angels goes live today
Youzu Interactive's hybrid turn-based fantasy MMO League of Angels will officially launch today, and co-publisher R2Games is celebrating with events rewarding in-game items and LoA merchandise. In addition, fans will get a peek at special event cosplay from "established names in the community" by signing up for the game's newsletter. League of Angels features a training system for your team of angels, massive PvP arenas, crafting, and character customization with mounts, cosmetics, and other accessories. Interested players can sign up and play straight from the game's official portal via GTArcade. [Source: R2 Games/Youzu Interactive press release]
Fully wearable Iron Man Mark III suit is made to 3D printed order for $35,000
We joked yesterday about finding the perfect gift for that eccentric billionaire (or millionaire, or really just any "rich" person) in your life, but nothing truly says money to burn like your very own Iron Man suit. The real kicker here is that this Iron Man Mark III suit, made by (wait for it) Iron Man Factory, is actually fully wearable and made to fit anyone as tall as 5' 5" to 6' 1". It also incorporates sensor-controlled motors -- powered by a AAA battery -- to activate the "thrusters" on back and even slide open the helmet so your loved ones can smack that smug Tony Stark-like perma-grin off your face. Oh and did we mention the seven-pound suit, which is made from a carbon fiber polymer and features a cushioned interior, also contains an LED lighting system? Yeah, there's that too, but also no lasers. Sorry, you can't have everything. There's just one major catch: Iron Man Factory needs to fulfill 5,000 pre-orders of the $2,000 suit before it can even broach the eight months of production time needed to build it with injection molding. For $200 less, you can always snag just the helmet, but if you're going to go all in, what's a few hundred more? Of course, this being an extreme cosplay toy for the 1 percent, Iron Man Factory's offering an expedited option that'll have the suit 3D printed and shipped out in only four months' time -- for $35,000. Folks, that's the real baller option. It's what we imagine Elon Musk shells out when he needs an appropriate Halloween costume. In the event you need more visual eye candy to help force your wallet (and debt load), Iron Man Factory's put together a sizzle reel for the 3D-printed suit set to none other than Black Sabbath's "Iron Man." You can check it out and sing along after the break.
15 Minutes of Fame: The friendliest cosplayer at BlizzCon 2013
It's only a very few cosplayers who make it to the top of the pyramid at Blizzard's official BlizzCon costume contests. Officially, pandaren monk cosplayer Amanda Wisley may not have among those finalists this year -- but unofficially, the bubbly redhead earned a reputation for her bright, engaging cosplay with attendees delighted to find themselves in animated conversation with a fully suited pandaren. Amanda's experience as a professional children's entertainer specializing in mascots laid the foundation for some truly magical moments. Stop to observe for a moment, and you can literally watch her audience melt. A companionable wave, a welcome with arms flung wide, or a little jig of excitement demonstrate that this is one friendly pandaren who's eager to make an in-character connection. It's a reminder that Disneyland lies just across the street, and the effect is downright irresistible. After first meeting Amanda cosplaying a paladin at BlizzCon 2010, we decided to follow her cosplay journey to BlizzCon 2013. We explored her preliminary plans, then caught up with her again just before the con. When we last left Amanda, she was agonizing over her position on the contest registration wait list, wondering if after committing to the expense, hotel and air reservations, ticket money, and preparations, she would even gain a chance to participate in the official contest. Did Amanda get her chance to walk across the stage at BlizzCon 2013?
The cosplay of BlizzCon 2013
We've already seen the winners of this year's costume contest, but that's a long way from all of the cosplay that there is to see at BlizzCon. Just wandering around the show floor, you'll encounter plenty of talented cosplay -- and the occasional Deadpool, because Deadpool canonically fits in any universe. So without further ado, here's some of the very impressive cosplay we've run into in and around the convention center this year. And stay tuned, because we're sure to run into more costumes and cosplay during day two of BlizzCon.
15 Minutes of Fame: Road to BlizzCon cosplay -- the grind to perfection
There's simply something about Amanda. When we first spied her making the rounds with her stunning green-eyed paladin at BlizzCon 2010, we found ourselves captivated. Yet Amanda wasn't a finalist in 2010. She didn't draw crowds by displaying huge swaths of bare skin, parading up and down the promenade in front of the convention center. Not a seamstress, she doesn't even craft all of her costumes' parts and pieces personally by hand. What Amanda Wisley does is cosplay with heart. The die-hard fan outsources her imagination to create costumes that exemplify the spirit she sees in the game she loves. This WoW lover loves to bring her visions to life, sharing them over long hours walking the convention floor and grounds to visit with other fans. But while this year's BlizzCon will see her buried inside a full fur suit as a pandaren monk, will her hopes of participating in Blizzard's official costume contest get buried as well? In an upsetting discovery made long after tickets had been purchased and her costume was in progress, Amanda learned early last month that she'd not been lucky enough to snag one of the coveted sign-ups for the costume contest. She's been assured that she's high on the waiting list -- but after months of preparation, a successful race for BlizzCon tickets, booking air travel and accommodations, and of course all the expenses of creating her costume itself, will she get her shot at walking across the BlizzCon stage? Take a look at the emotional highs and lows of this determined cosplayer's road to BlizzCon 2013 as her costume and itinerary laboriously come together.
Amazing Khal Drogo cosplay at Blizzard Halloween contest
Halloween is a very special time at Blizzard Entertainment, and annual Blizzard Halloween costume contest inspires many folks there to go all-out. This year was no exception, but this particular costume of Khal Drogo (of A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones fame) was truly exceptional. It's beginning to make the internet rounds and all you have to do is watch the video to see why. The costumer, Rene Koiter, is a Blizzard artist whose pseudonym, Twincruiser, you might be familiar with. The video captures not only the wonderful detail of his costume, but his ability to saunter around in character and fearlessly show us lesser mortals what our true purpose is in the grand scheme of things: to give him prizes. Or get our hearts ripped out. Our hats are off to Mr. Koiter for this amazing performance, his first-place award was well-earned!
Blizzard store now offering full Halloween costumes
Halloween is fast approaching -- are you prepared? If not, the Blizzard Store might just be your ticket if you're looking for a quick solution and simultaneously wanting to show off your gamer pride. Three new costumes by Rubies have been added to the Blizzard Store, and unlike previous mask offerings, these are full-body outfits that will dress you up from head to toe. Along with the standard green orc, Illidan and Arthas are both available -- keep in mind, however, that if you're looking for a pair of Warglaives or Frostmourne, those don't come with the outfits. They may not be the height of cosplay perfection, but they're good enough for a Halloween party or three. The characters are pretty much instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with Warcraft, and really isn't that all anyone hopes for out of a Halloween costume? Head to the Blizzard store to check them out and perhaps pick up a costume of your own.
15 Minutes of Fame: Road to BlizzCon cosplay -- prologue
We first met Amanda Wisley at BlizzCon 2010 as a perky, green-eyed blood elf paladin in full Judgement. Who could forget those eyes? Though she wasn't selected as a finalist in the Blizzard costume contest, her popular paladin attracted crowds of gawkers and fans anxious to be photographed with her off the main convention floor. We chatted with her several times over the course of the weekend, and I encouraged her to get in touch with me if she ever found herself preparing for another run at major BlizzCon cosplay. Amanda didn't attend BlizzCon in 2011, but she contacted me this summer as her preparations for an trip to Anaheim and an attempt at the 2013 BlizzCon costume contest got into full swing. What has transpired in the weeks since then is an astonishing patchwork of dastardly deadlines, agonizing anticipation, bitter disappointments, and unwavering persistence and hope. Will Amanda's custom-made pandaran monk be ready in time for November? Will she nab a coveted spot among the first 100 registrants for the BlizzCon costume contest? In the face of purchased tickets and completed travel plans, how will she adapt to roadblocks and disappointments along the way? We'll meet the intrepid cosplayer this week, share the ups and downs of her preparations as we get closer to the convention, and finally join her behind the scenes at BlizzCon itself in November.
EB Expo 2013 - The EBX-Perience!
David "Psykopig" Desi is coming to you not-live from 2013's EB Expo in Sydney, Australia! Check out the EBX-Perience video after the break to get a guided tour around the show floor.
EB Expo 2013 - Psykopig's video impressions
When gaming conventions happen down under, you can count on Psykopig being there with camera and microphone in hand. Massively's David "Psykopig" Desi descended on Sydney's EB Expo last weekend to check out The Elder Scrolls Online as well as all the usual cosplay con shenanigans. Check out the video after the break for a taste of the show floor and some fan reactions.
Dragon's Prophet EU crowns cosplay winner at Gamescom
Back in June we reported that Infernum Productions was holding a costume contest for Dragon's Prophet EU and a special fashion show for the best at Gamescom called Dragon Cosplay Summit 2013. The game itself may still be in beta, but the players released some impressive skills to create a variety of DP themed costumes to take part in the show. In the end, only one was crowned the winner with the €2,500 worth of prizes and the ability to design a virtual costume to be added into the game -- Laura "Lightning" Jansen. Check out how these players brought virtual characters to life in the gallery below, starting off with Jansen's winning costume. Then watch highlights of the fashion show in the video after the break. [Source: Infernum productions press release]
BioShock Infinite Burial at Sea DLC stars Elizabeth, dressed to impress
BioShock Infinite's Burial at Sea DLC is a noir nostalgia trip to Rapture, the city in the ocean featured in BioShock 1 and 2, and Elizabeth's outfit gets an update befitting the new theme. Irrational provides an image of Elizabeth in five angles, ostensibly so cosplayers can start planning their sewing equipment accordingly. Get a (much) closer look here. There's no word on if we'll get a sneak peek of Booker's new threads, too. Burial at Sea is in two episodes, both set in Rapture two years before it falls to ruin. The first episode stars Infinite protagonist Booker Dewitt, and the second stars Elizabeth. Players will get new plasmids and vigors, new weapons, dimensional tears, Big Daddies and skylines – and, of course, a new perspective on Rapture. Episodes one and two are $15 each, with a release date on its way.
BlizzCon 2013 Costume Contest sign up now open
Planning to cosplay at BlizzCon 2013? Registration for the BlizzCon 2013 Costume Contest is now open. Should you wish to compete, do not delay signing up a moment longer. There are a limited number of slots (a mere 100) which will be filled first come, first serve. Be sure to read the contest rules before you sign up, though. The rules have changed over the years, making certain types of costumes ineligible for entry. There are much tighter restrictions on how big your costume can be this year, and the BlizzCon organizers would really like it if you could walk up a few stairs in the dark without assistance. After you sign up, you should receive an e-mail confirmation that your submission has been received. You won't know right away if you've secured yourself a slot, however, so just keep your fingers crossed and stay patient. And should you not get into the contest initially, there is still hope! In the months and weeks approaching the convention, some entrants may drop out of the contest and open up a slot for you. Good luck! So, any WoW Insider readers planning to cosplay at BlizzCon 2013? What are you hoping to go as? If you need some inspiration, check out some of our costume galleries from previous BlizzCons.
Win trip to Gamescom in EU Dragon's Prophet costume contest
Calling all European Dragon's Prophet fans handy with a needle and thread (and hot glue gun and nail gun and whatever else): Infernum Productions has announced the Dragon Cosplay Summit 2013, a fantasy-themed fashion show to debut at Gamescom 2013. Think your skills are up to the challenge? To be a part of this event, designers must hand-make an original costume based on the Dragon's Prophet universe (it must include a prominent Mark of the Osira) then submit a photograph to be judged on craftsmanship, creativity, and relevance to the world of DP. The 10 best submissions will be put to a community vote, and the top three winners will win a trip to Gamescom to participate in the fashion show -- along with various other prizes including cash, artwork, and in-game rewards. First place will also receive an Alienware X51 computer system. The seven runners-up will receive a ticket to the convention along with other goodies (but no travel expenses). If you need some inspiration for your project, there's a large selection of armor and weapons pictured right on the contest's official page. The contest is not available to residents outside of Europe, and participants must be 18 years of age or older. For a full run-down of all terms and conditions, check out the official rules. [Source: Infernum Productions press release]
Fan brings SWTOR's Darth Malgus to life
It's no secret that as players, we can really get into our favorite MMOs. But some folks have the skills and dedication to take this much further than the rest of us mere mortals! Such is the case with Julian Checkley, who sent us a video in which he plucked Darth Malgus from Star Wars: The Old Republic's Deceived trailer right off the screen and plunked him down in real life. Built from scratch in his workshop in Ireland, the costume took six weeks to complete. This footage was actually a spur of the moment idea to show off the just-complete project, and Checkley noted that no CGI was used. He did, however, lament that the costume was lacking a sexy blue Twi'lek partner. Watch him don the costume for the first time after the break, and tell us if that isn't just the definition of awesome! [Thanks to our tipster!]
BioShock Infinite cosplayer hired by Irrational to be face of Elizabeth
If you've ever wondered if high quality cosplay could get you a job in the games industry, here's the story for you. Irrational Games hired Anna Moleva, a Russian veterinarian, precisely because her BioShock Infinite cosplay bore such a strong resemblance to its source. Moleva is now the official face of Elizabeth, as featured on the back of the game's box art (see after the break).In case you're wondering if she's some kind of Jenny-come-lately, Moleva has a seven-year history with cosplay, as evidenced by her impressive Flickr portfolio. While Irrational's photos prove she makes an excellent Elizabeth, she's also a decent Alice, Commander Shepard, and Poison Ivy.
EB Games Expo 2012: Guild Wars 2 interview
The highlight of this year's EB Games Expo in Sydney, Australia, at least for MMO fans, was surely the inclusion of QV Software, publisher of Guild Wars 2 in Australia and New Zealand. Naturally, Massively Multimedia Contributor David Desi (aka Psykopig) dropped by the QVS booth to chat with Dan Greentree, Product Manager and go-to guy for the Aussie edition of Guild Wars 2. Dan and David discuss the game's scope, painterly art styles, jumping puzzles, and community before answering the ultimate question: Asura or Norn?! Check it out after the break, and don't forget the Pig's other videos from the showroom floor!
EB Games Expo 2012: The people have a voice!
You may be thinking to yourself, "I saw yesterday's EB Games Expo highlights video, but I want to hear from the people in that wacky Sydney crowd!" Consider your wishes granted: Massively Multimedia Contributor David Desi (that's Psykopig to you livestream junkies) today submits his next video from this weekend's convention down under, and it's loaded with all the man-on-the-street interviews you can handle. What do Aussies want to see when they come to a con? Just how confused are attendees about the races in Guild Wars 2? Can Sydney cosplayers pull off a Mario accent? It's all there along with the Pig's usual dose of crazy humor. Check out the video just after the break, and stay tuned for the final video later today -- a full interview with some of the people responsible for Guild Wars 2!%Gallery-167739%
EB Games Expo 2012: Hello from Sydney!
This weekend, Massively's resident Aussie and livestreamer extraordinaire David Desi -- aka Psykopig -- was on the ground at the EB Games Expo in Sydney, Australia, marking the first time we've ever sent anyone to an Australian gaming con. It was jam-packed with goodness -- so much goodness that he had to make a video highlighting the weekend's adventures! You'll see some dancing, some silly faces, a whole bunch of cosplay... and maybe even a few surprises! Ever seen Deadpool and Darth Vader battle through dance? What about a flock (I think it's a flock?) of Pikachu jumping out from behind a host? If you are quick enough, you might even glimpse a wild Psykopig appearing and having a dance himself. Check out our convention overview video behind the break, and stay tuned for more videos and even a Guild Wars 2 interview later this weekend!
