Cosplay at Work: Popular gaming activity spawning jobs and opportunities

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The gaming world has created jobs and opportunities for many young people. Cosplay too where participants dress up as their favorite animation, cartoon or 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. CGTN's Wu Lei explains.

For 7 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 MENGYAO COSPLAYER "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."

And her cosplay partner couldn't agree more.

LIU XINGYU COSPLAYER "Because we like characters in cartoons and animations so much, we 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. Besides watching games, many fans can try new things.

WU LEI HANGZHOU "Making clothing and props, dressing up and performing as characters from cartoons and video games. It's always been one of my favorite cosplay styles. Many young cosplayers believe that finishing the whole process will give them a sense of achievement."

Cosplay is just a part of the subculture ACG, or animation, comic, games. According to a recent report by iResearch, those born after 1995 accounted for nearly 50% of all cartoon and animation followers. It's also estimated that the number of ACG fans worldwide reached 300 million in 2018.

CHEN XUHUA COSPLAY EXPERT "As the industry grows, there will be more specified sectors and jobs. Opportunities like professional cosmetician, designer and performer will all be available. Everything will be more professional."

Wang Wenlin is a popular cartoonist. He believes cartoon animation is a global language that transcends borders. As people demand more high-quality content, he hopes all young cartoon creators will stick to what they love and believe in.

WANG WENLIN CARTOONIST "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, words many motivated young people would agree with. WL, CGTN, Hangzhou city, Zhejiang province.