In the country’s largest gaming conference, Gen Con, Pikachu is able to keep thousands of gamers safe, but organizers say they have covered it.
The conference kicked off on Thursday and sold more than 200,000 tickets last year.
When gamers shuffle at the Indiana Convention Center through the costumes of their favorite characters, reality is close behind. Gamer Alexis Reynolds knows if your outfit is too real and you may have violated the rules.
Reynolds said: “You don’t want anything that is too aggressive. We try to make sure the blade doesn’t look so real.”
There are not many regulations, but weapons or items that appear to be weapons are not allowed.
As for “fantasy weapons,” Gen Con’s website says these must be handled with care.
“My friend has a big hammer, it’s made of foam. I don’t know how much damage it will cause,” gamer Robert Jordan said.
The conference center is lined with a yellow shirt from a security company. Gen Con said that their security team, in addition to security guards and Gen Con staff, may include off-duty police officers and be prepared to check out props or clothing when necessary.
You will find the IMPD car outside the venue. Realistic police clothing also violates the rules.
Jordan said: “These conventions have been attended by 100,000 people every year for many years, and I have not really seen or heard anyone hurt.”
IMPD said they will increase their manpower and patrol the special event team in the area at night. The downtown bar will be equipped with off-duty police as usual.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security said they were helping over the weekend.
With the opening of the Indiana State Fair, drivers will experience traffic congestion in the city. Officials are also directing traffic.