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Anime Dating Game Rules
- How are applicants selected?
We will select the participants on the basis of the characters and the quality of the costume, not on a first-come, first-serve basis.
We are looking for applicants who will cosplay major characters from well-known shows so that everyone in our audience will be able to enjoy their viewing experience to the utmost. Priority will be given to very recognizable and popular characters who will be easily distinguishable from one another at a distance. Applicants with costumes from obscure shows or of lesser-known characters will almost certainly not be accepted, no matter how delightful the costume is.
For variety's sake, we will probably not choose to have the same characters in this year's Anime Dating Game who appeared in last year's Anime Dating Game.
- How many people will be selected?
Depending on scheduling, we will select between eight and twelve participants for each of the two sessions of the dating game, so between sixteen and twenty-four participants total.
- If I win, do I have to go on a date?
The winning couple from each round will receive, in addition to other prizes, a certificate allowing them to sit in the reserved seating at the Masquerade on Saturday night without waiting in the seating line, but only if they attend the event together as a "date". The certificate cannot be split and is only valid if the two winners go together.
- What are the ratings of the two sessions? What do those ratings mean?
The main session of the Anime Dating Game is rated PG. This means that, like the Masquerade, its content should be appropriate for all audiences. Brief sexual references will be permitted, and perhaps holding hands or a quick kiss on the cheek, but nothing too lewd or over-the-top.
The late night Shounen Ai/Shoujo Ai session of the Anime Dating Game is rated 18+. This means some more mature content will be permitted, including explicit sexual references and gestures, but no making out or nudity will be permitted. (ID's will be checked at the door and all participants and audience members must be able to provide proof of age.)
- Why did you decide to make the main session PG and the Shounen Ai/Shoujo Ai session 18+?
Given the types of fans drawn to each genre, we decided this was the arrangement the majority of convention attendees would prefer, not to mention that we would prefer to keep the daytime entertainment family-friendly.
- Do I get to pick which session I am in...main or Shounen Ai/Shoujo Ai?
On the application form you may specify your preference.
- How do I apply?
Every applicant must submit a link to a web page with a minimum of two color photos of the applicant wearing the specific costume that they intend to wear as a participant: one full-length front view and one full-length back view. Photos of the cosplayer not in costume or of the costume not being worn by the cosplayer are not acceptable. Other photos, of side views or significant accessories, may be included on the web page at the applicant's discretion. Everything that an applicant intends to visibly wear or carry as a participant must appear in a photo. If you do not have a web page with photos, you should create one. An easy way to do this is to go to Cosplay.com, which offers a free cosplay profile service. When you send in your application, be certain to check the links to make sure they work and that no login is required to access them. If you do not have photos of your completed costume yet, wait to submit your application until you have them. Do not submit an application and then send pictures later. If an applicant is accepted for participation wearing one costume and signs in with a different costume, that is grounds for dismissal from the game. If an accepted costume is signed in by a wearer who is not the original applicant, that will be grounds for dismissal from the game.
- When should I apply?
It has yet to be determined when the cutoff date will be. Staff generally need at least a month to organize and pick the participants. Do remember that this is an all-volunteer effort, and our staff have other lives outside of AB. :)
Since contestants are selected based on quality and not on a first-come, first-serve basis, it's better to wait until your costume is finished than to rush and apply early. Take your time and make your costume the best than it can be!
- I'm under eighteen. May I still apply?
No. While the daytime session is designed for an audience of all ages, all participants must be 18 or older.
- Why must all participants be at least 18 years old even though the main session is not rated 18+?
Simply put, this is for legal purposes. The grand prize for the winning couple is a "date" to the masquerade. Presenting minors with such a prize could be a cause for legal issues. We have set the rule that anyone participating in the game be of legal age, although attendees of all ages are invited to join us in the audience for the daytime session. Proof of age will be required for all participants on stage and will be checked prior to the games. Failure to provide proof of age is grounds for dismissal from the game.
- May I apply with several different costumes?
Yes. Any applicant may submit more than one costume, as long as each costume has its own set of photos and otherwise meets all rules. The application form is designed to hold up to four costumes. If you wish to submit more than four costumes, you may make a note of it on the form. If more than one costume is submitted, decisions as to which costume an applicant will wear in the game are entirely up to the staff, although the applicant may indicate a preference.
- May I apply as a group?
No, there is no group application for the Anime Dating Game. If you have a pair of characters who you think would be able to do something unusual or interesting for the game, you may make a note of it on your solo application.
- Is it okay if I didn't make my costume?
Since this is not a costume contest, costumes may be submitted that were not made by the applicant or that have been professionally tailored or contain commercially manufactured pieces. Costumes may also be submitted which have previously been entered in the costume contests or masquerades of Anime Boston or other conventions. Award-winning costumes will be appreciated. We do ask that you not submit a costume that you intend to enter in the Masquerade or Hall Costume Contest at Anime Boston 2008. Costumes entered in previous Anime Boston masquerades are acceptable. You may submit the same costume to both Cosplay Human Chess and the Anime Dating Game, but you must indicate that you are doing so on the application form and each costume will probably only be selected for one event.
- I've never made a costume before. What are my chances of being selected?
Experienced cosplayers will be given priority, although it will certainly be possible to be selected if you are a beginning cosplayer with an exceptional costume.
- My costume has moving parts/large weapons/gets in other people's way. Is this a problem?
All costumes must be self-contained, with no electrical plugs or other outside support required. You must be able to sit down and stand up and you must be able to speak into a microphone.
All costumes must be appropriate for wear in a family environment and must be street-legal in the State of Massachusetts. Any costume that turns out to be obscene, excessively revealing, or not street-legal will be removed from the game instantly.
Show weapons are permitted, but no actual metal will be allowed in weaponry. This event will adhere strictly to the Anime Boston Weapons Policy. Weapons will be examined both in applicant photos and at the event sign-in. Any breach of the weapons policy will result in expulsion.
No props or stage accessories will be allowed which scatter. This means no confetti, no fake blood, no rose petals, and nothing else that could disrupt everyone's footing.
- How will I know if I've been selected?
Selected applicants and alternates will be notified after all decisions are made. Applicants will be notified no later than March 15th.
- I've been selected! What do I have to do before the con?
Participants will be required to exchange frequent e-mails with the Dating Game Staff during the time leading up to the convention. Failure to communicate in a timely manner when required will lead to dismissal from the game.
- The con is here! What next?
All participants and alternates are required to sign in at Masquerade HQ on Friday or Saturday (at least several hours in advance of the game's start time) while wearing or carrying their costumes. No exceptions. Anyone who fails to sign in will be dismissed from the game.
Participants will be required to submit release forms at Masquerade HQ when they sign in, allowing the use of their images in commercial video and photography. The game may be recorded and failure to turn in a form will result in dismissal from the game.
Questions? Contact the Dating Game Staff.
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