by Robert van Alstyne
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- Costumed players highly devoted to recreating the drama of popular first person shooter video game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. congregated en masse in the southern Russian village of Sengileyevskoe (Kotaku.com 3.25.09).
- Around 70 super fans joined forces to show off serious costume flair, simulate knife fights and generally engage in good natured post-apocalyptic theater.
- The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. videogame (Scavenger, Trespasser, Adventurer, Loner, Killer, Explorer, Robber) retails for $20, but you can’t put a price tag on the cosplay experience. Wait, how much does a flight to Sengileyevskoe run these days?
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- In tough times, amped escapism is just what the doctor ordered. Truly devoted fans crave ways to live their favorite stories and cosplay gives them the power — provided they’ve got a healthy sense of imagination and taste for the dramatic.
RESOURCES
