The gaming world has created jobs and opportunities for many young people, but what about cosplay? The role-playing activity where participants dress up as their favorite anime, cartoon or video game characters is quickly turning into an employment sector. Many avid cosplayers have descended on the 15th China International Cartoon and Animation Festival looking for more than just fun in their spare time.

For seven years, cosplay has been Tang Mengyao's top hobby. Despite only doing it part-time, she has participated in many professional cosplay games and events.

Tang told CGTN that if you don't love cosplay from the bottom of your heart, you can't carry on. "No one gives me money for practicing or taking part in the games. I just devote my money and energy to it."

Liu Xingyu, her cosplay partner, couldn't agree more. Liu said because they like characters in cartoons and animations so much, they want to imitate them, follow their styles and write stories about them.

Many cosplayers from China and overseas come to this annual international cartoon and animation festival to showcase their latest works and make new friends. 

Cosplay is a part of the subculture ACG, or animation, comics, games. It's also estimated that the number of ACG fans in China reached 300 million in 2018.

Chen Xuhua, a cosplay expert, told CGTN that as the industry grows, there will be more particular sectors and jobs, such as professional cosmeticians, designers and performers.

Wang Wenlin is a popular cartoonist. He believes cartoon animation is a global language that transcends borders.

Wang Wenlin told CGTN, "Whether it's a movie or cartoon, we need to follow the rules of craftsmanship. As long as you focus on creation with your craftsmanship, there will always be great results."

Wang says if you love it, do it. These are words that many motivated youth can agree with.