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As the result of a partnership between Campus Gamers and the Los Angeles Cosplay Convention, Cal State Bakersfield students with a school ID are granted free admission to the event on June 13. According to Ed Webb, founder of Campus Gamers, the arrangement arose out of a commitment the club made to provide a video game station for attendees of the convention.

“Last year, we wanted to participate in LA Cosplay Con, so we got a booth donated to us by the convention, and Japan and Beyond did as well,” Webb said. “So both of our clubs went down there … and there was a gaming area that was sponsored by Microsoft, but there was no other games … so we told them next year we would be happy to bring some retro games to kind of enhance the game room. We were invited back this year, but Microsoft dropped out, so we’re running the whole gaming section this year. In addition giving us a 20’ by 20’ space for us to do the games … everybody at CSUB would be able to attend for free.”

Although the convention is held on the second day of graduation, he also said the event is a great opportunity for students and graduates alike to participate in a fun event.

“I know that June 13 is graduation day, and it’s usually from 7 a.m. to 11 or 12; even if somebody was to graduate that day, they would still have time to get down and partake in some of the expo and panels before the actual Cosplay Con got in there,” Webb said. “It really is a fun time, especially if you’re a people-watcher.”

Info on the event General admission for students generally costs $11 and provides access to gaming panels, cosplay contests and a dance party after the convention, among other events. Cosplaying refers to when someone dresses up as a character from a movie, video game, manga, anime, comic book series or many other genres.