Bandai Namco Europe have announced via press release that they are now officially sponsoring the official European Cosplay Gathering, that occurs every year at Japan Expo on the Ichigo Stage. Bandai Namco will also be offering up to €10,000 in prizes that will be split between participants in the events and the Grand Finale in July 2017. Bandai Namco will be following the events that take place over the next year across 13 select European countries such as the second selection round due to take place in Connichi, Germany on September 16th-18th this year. Bonuses will also be given to those selected that are also wearing cosplays from a select number of Bandai Namco IPs including Tales of, God Eater and Soulcalibur. The full list is included in the press release, which you can read below, courtesy of Bandai Namco Europe.
Lyon, FRANCE – July 27th, 2016 – Following the launch of Season 7 on 10th July during Japan Expo 2016, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe has confirmed today its official sponsorship of the European Cosplay Gathering (ECG).
“We have been following the cosplay scene for a while now and this sponsorship is an opportunity to support the inspiration and the talent of the performers as well as the close friendship that exists in the cosplay community.” said Anthony Grabit, Head Community Manager at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe.” Video games are a major inspiration for cosplayers so we feel it’s only natural for us to contribute into developing this relationship.”
All year long, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe will follow the selections of the best European cosplayers throughout 13 European events in France, Germany, UK, Portugal, Poland, Italy, Spain, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Belgium, Romania and the Netherlands. As usual, the Grand Finale will take place at Japan Expo, in July 2017, on the biggest European cosplay stage: the Ichigô Stage.
As official sponsor, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe will offer up to €10,000 of cash prizes split between the 13 selections events and the Grand Finale. A special bonus will be given to the winners (selections and Grand Finale) wearing a cosplay from the following BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment licenses: TEKKEN™, SOULCALIBUR™, GOD EATER™, TALES OF™,ACE COMBAT™, KATAMARI™, PAC-MAN™ and DARK SOULS™.
“The European Cosplay Gathering is always going forward to promote cosplay and its values, thanks to strong supporters like Japan Expo, and this year again, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe.” said Benjamin Zafrany from SEFA Event, organizer of ECG. “The ECG & BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe tighten their bond further with this new debuting season by helping cosplayers financially to fulfill their dreams and achieve their projects for the Main Event as well as promoting strong and favored licenses from the popular video game publisher.”
See you at Connichi in Germany, for the 2nd selection round, from September 16th to 18th! For more information please head to ECG Official Website and official ECG Facebook Page.
SOURCE: Press Release
