The Judges for the cosplay contest problem

[Rifaran_Farronhart]

so I have a problem that one of the judges doesn't even play the game and was only hired based on being a cosplayer. it was the yellow monk miqo'te. How can the person be a judge of a FFXIV cosplay contest and not even be into Final Fantasy in the slightest. This is a problem Square Enix. Square Enix sent a copy of the game to this person and this person only is on free trial.

[MilleFeuille]

They were a pro cosplayer though. They know costumes, which is a far more relevant skill for judging costumes.

[Ryuko]

The costumes were (mostly) judged based on craftsmanship and originality. When we were having our individual judging sessions, they asked a lot of questions about how each item was made, how long the costume took to make, etc. Making your own costume weighed heavily into it. So, I don't think it's that odd that one of the judges was a 'beginner' in the game. As long as she recognizes the costumes and the animations, then it's fine. Plus, even if she didn't recognize something right away, she could look up reference images to compare the costumes to the actual details.

[Fiye]

I can vouch for that. I was dressed as Hildibrand (In the Spring Dress) and didn't make it (I told them my wife had worked on it after I showed her a screenshot of it). Details, Originality, and Self Work had a lot to go into it.

During the Evaluations they had a sheet with a reference picture. (Though the one I saw for Hildibrand was a little small. And also not the one during the wedding in 2.3)

[Leash]

Yeah, the cosplay contest was done like most cosplay contests at other major conventions.

I doubt the Judges had ample time to play considering that they are constantly attending other conventions and making costumes, not just Square's. (I had to step away from the game to finish mine and help my boyfriend get our costumes done, haven't touched any 2.3 content yet)

I like how they had Yoshida as one of the Judges.

The one thing I think they SHOULD have had is "Fan Favorite." Most costume/cosplay contests typically let the audience pick their favorite as well in a separate category.

(Fiye I loved your costume!)

[Kimikryo]

Judging ain't easy.

There never will be someone that does agree completely with the choices of the Judges.

I raised my eyebrows at the ninja. Not that it was bad, it was cool, but nothing I would have voted in the Top 30. I chuckled at Nanamo. You could see she had fun cosplaying her and that she put a lot of afford into that costume.

EVERYTIME someone answered the Question "What is this made of" with "Lots of stuff" it translated in my head to "I bought it".
Every single cosplay of mine, I could exactly tell what is made of what while keeping it short. "Artifical Leather, Black lining, curtain fabric, took x amount of hours sewing and x amount of hours designing" or "Artificial fur, kinder egg plastic parts, plaster" "worbla, thermoplast" If asked I could even say where I bought it.

Since I have not seen all other cosplayers, I can't say if they were better or worse than those top 30. I really would have been sad though. if Garuda wouldn't have one anything :x

[Roelon1st]

true for cosplay. I have been doing research on it as I may try this at the next con I will try to attend. with sculptures I do use too many things just for a base, wire, aluminum, hot glue, epoxy and various clays, wood and a ton more.

I love to see those who make their own cosplay, as it inspires me each time to try my own. For those on stage, I don't always assume its bought when they say "lot's of stuff". I am rather shy so I tend to keep everything short sweet and get me off stage type of thing. But then I never cosplayed on stage.

[Ryuko]

Judging ain't easy. EVERYTIME someone answered the Question "What is this made of" with "Lots of stuff" it translated in my head to "I bought it".

I don't necessarily think that. I feel like the people are just flustered while being judged and appearing on stage. We were told we may be asked questions, but we weren't told what those questions were. So, of course people freeze on the spot when asked. Yes, they could have bought it, but I give them reasonable doubt. While I was going through my pre-judging session, I was asked how I attached the gold detailing on the robe, and I literally forgot the name of fray check. I was just like, "Uhhh, I used something to make sure the edges didn't run when I glued them on..." ... "You mean fray check?" ... "Yes! That!" Sometimes it's fun to brag about how you made things (I loved telling people how the book was made because I was super proud of it), but in stressful situations, you blank and sound silly with vague answers like, "Lots of stuff."

[Roelon1st]

Yep, I agree. And I am very happy Garuda won. I don't know how she made it all the way there walking like that. The details and was pretty sturdy.

[Eldaena]

I'm fine with the cosplayers chosen, though some of the winners didn't stand out much to me, but the Gaius and Livia cosplays should have been recognized. Maybe as the fan favorite if they could have implemented that somehow. Maybe it's just me, but the details on them were fantastic, they had the persona, and they could jump around and do whatever without their pieces falling off or the weapons breaking. =(