World's largest game expo tightens security following violence
Gamescom won't let you bring weapon-like items into the show.
Germany has been hit by a string of mass violence as of late, and the effect of those tragedies is about to spill over to the gaming community. The organizers behind Gamescom, the world's largest gaming trade show, have introduced tighter security measures that will definitely be noticeable if you make it out to Cologne for the event. They're banning not only weapon replicas, but "weapon-like items" -- like it or not, your Deadpool or Harley Quinn cosplay will have to go without armaments. Even exhibitors will have to label any vaguely threatening props to avoid raising alarm bells.
Gamescom is also calling on everyone, including exhibitors and the press, to avoid bringing any unnecessary bags to the show. The measures are there to avoid scaring not only sensitive guests, but Cologne residents who might not realize that you're only depicting a Call of Duty soldier.
The stricter safeguards aren't completely surprising, particularly in a country that's already known for curbing depictions of violence inside video games. However, it shows that the game industry is still trying to walk a fine line between its dependence on violent content and respect for the dangers and effects of real-world violence.
