Game8 got to go to TGS 2024 and we saw some absolutely amazing cosplayers in their element. We took what photos we could, so come see which cosplays we came across and appreciate their craft and dedication.
Cosplays at Tokyo Game Show 2024
Getting There is the Hard Part
You got lost on your way to Makuhari Messe from central Tokyo, Google Maps just feeding you lies and confusion. The weather is less than ideal, going through bouts of cloudiness and rain. You waited in line for who knows how long and that was only after you realized there was still a long trek from the station to the venue. And you were the not the morning person you needed to be to leave as early as you did. But this is it. Tokyo Game Show 2024.
You walk into the venue and you’re greeted with a cacophony of sensory assaults: the massive amounts of people talking amongst themselves, staff members giving orders as to where to move, other staff members encouraging visitors to take a look at their booth, and above them all, the booming speakers of the different bigger stages demanding your attention.
It’s dark, but it’s all too bright in the areas they want you to look, with blinding screens in any area it might make sense. By its description alone, it sounds like a terrible way to enter, but no, it’s the opposite. You’re hyped. Excited. Thrilled to see more. Look at this game, and this one. Oh, that game you HAVE to play. The line’s too long to get a chance at it today, but you can at least watch others play it. Also, here’s a statue of that character you might know.
And just so, so, many cosplayers.
On Another Level
Cosplay, a Japanese portmanteau of costume play, exploded into the mainstream the past few decades, and Japan definitely played a huge part in popularizing it. So here in the country famous for its cosplay culture, in a venue full of companies with a cosplay budget often out of reach for individual cosplayers, you’re bound to be treated to some amazing looking cosplays and accompanying set pieces.
Taking pictures of these cosplayers hired by the game companies is generally accepted, but always ask before you take a picture. It can be intimidating sometimes to go up to these strangers to ask for a picture of them, but you wouldn’t be the first and you won’t be the last, so just take the chance.
Can’t speak Japanese? Try to learn this simplified phrase: “写真大丈夫ですか? (Shah sheen die joe boo des ka?)” Don’t feel like adding the embarrassment of sounding like a weeb on top of the anxiety of being one? Just get the cosplayers attention and gesture taking a picture, and giving a questioning feel of a thumbs up or an ok sign.
If they agree, they'll just start posing for you almost immediately, because these are professionals. If they don't agree to it, they'll usually bow apologetically and wave you a no. Yes, tou might get declined, usually because they’re on break or some other reason, but regardless, consent is necessary. Don’t take photos without their permission. Plus, if you ask them, they’ll give you their best poses.
These are professional cosplayers; just wearing these complicated pieces of clothing is of course one thing, but they’re able to bring the clothes to life and embody the character they’re playing. The nurses from Konami’s Silent Hill will certainly make some buzz; nearly all of them made these erratic, uncanny valley (or I guess uncanny hill) type movements, all to get you… a pamphlet.
But there were so many amazing women cosplayers, acting demure, or cheerful, some even crossplaying (in which one dresses as a character of the opposite gender) as men, as long as their character calls for it. There was a Juri and a Chun Li from one of the smaller booths, but even if they weren't part of the bigger booths, they still definitely knew what they were doing.
Not Just The Ladies
There were male cosplayers as well, and they definitely weren’t lagging behind in the slightest. They knew their angles, and what they needed to bring to the table for their character, whether it be a cool pose for Terry Bogard, or a silly one for Sunraku.
It wasn't limited to human cosplays either. Several mascots, and even inanimate objects were cosplayed. There were several of these yellow mascots called Doods from the game Apeiron (who were uncomfortably thicc). And at the Neverness to Everness booth were a garbage can and a vending machine to represent the enemies in the game.
Hai, Cheezu
There were plenty of photo opportunities for visitors as well. It’s pretty common practice to go up to a cosplayer and ask for individual photos, of course, but there were spots that were specifically meant for guests to take photos with the cosplayers there.
Cammy was ready to pose with fans in her Street Fighter 6 outfit, and will match any ideas you might have (though she totally ducks to dodge this guy’s Hadouken). Massive Monster Hunter weapons were available to be used to take pictures with. And Escape from Tarkov let you pose with some soldiers with your own rifle.
Putting the Animate in Inanimate
And then look at this cosplayer! Just kidding, it’s a statue. There were plenty of amazing statues and figures scattered around the halls, many adorned in clothes that would likely be difficult to cosplay. I’m sure there are plenty of cosplayers out there who would make me eat my words though.
But enough talking from me. Enjoy the rest of these pictures for your viewing pleasure. I’ll be adding more so be sure to come back to check for new photos.
Big Thanks to the Cosplayers at TGS 2024
This was but a fraction of all the amazing cosplays there. You'll likely find even more pictures on Twitter posted by Japanese users, so definitely search them out. To all the cosplayers at TGS 2024 who so generously let me take their pictures, thank you very much. To those who are looking through these pictures with envy, well, there’s always next year.
