Gamescom ups security, bans cosplay weapons

The organiser of Gamescom Koelnmesse has announced that security measures at this year’s show have been adapted following recent violent incidents across Europe.

In an email, the firm asked visitors to leave bags and rucksacks at home unless they are absolutely necessary. Bag checks will be in effect at the Koelnmesse site, meaning that waiting times to enter the venue will be longer.

In concrete terms this means: If not absolutely necessary, please leave bags and rucksacks and item of all kinds that you don’t urgently need for your visit to Gamescom at home in order to keep the waiting times down to a minimum,” the email read.

Since: Control measures, incl. bag checks, will be carried out at the entrances before entering the fair grounds. The controls will take on variable forms, which will depend on the respective short-term consultations with the safety authorities. Please expect longer queuing times and support us in carrying out the control measures by bringing no or as little luggage as possible with you to the fair. For planning your arrival: The safety controls start at 7:00 a.m. Queues must be expected.”

The company has also asked cosplayers to leave imitation weapons at home as these will not be permitted at Gamescom. Furthermore, Koelnmesse asks cosplayers to not have fake weapons around the city of Cologne.

Gamescom also lives from the creativity of your costumes and as such cosplayers are still heartily welcome. Due to the incidents of the past days, we would kindly ask for your understanding that all imitation weapons or weapon-like items forming part of your costume are not permitted at Gamescom 2016. We would kindly like to ask you to refrain from wearing imitation weapons or weapon-like items also in the city in consideration for the inhabitants and visitors of the city of Cologne.

"The background behind the tightening down on the costume regulations is to avoid frightening particularly children and families as well as other Gamescom visitors, but also the inhabitants and guests of the city of Cologne by wearing authentically original costumes that in some cases contain imitation weapons and/or weapon-like items. All imitation weapons or weapon-like elements of your costume – regardless of the material and size – will be confiscated before you are admitted to the grounds. We would therefore kindly ask you not to bring these with you to Gamescom.”

This year’s Gamescom takes place between August 18th and 21st.