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*Why is the "Masquerade" called "Cosplay Spectacular" now? At first I thought they had completely done away with "Masquerade" until I read the info about the Cosplay Spectacular. Although, after seeing the massive line outside for it, I didn't bother going.

I could probably answer this one for you~
Well, we have been calling it the Masquerade, but this name gets very confusing for people interested in the Black & White Ball. I have dozens of people ask me "what's the difference between them?" Also, when you are standing in line, and you say "Masquerade," people that do not know the different will either look at you confused, or respond happily before joining the line... only to realize an hour later that they weren't in line for their Ball afterall... With all the confusion, a name-change had become the best alternative.

I like the change in the name because that's how Sakura con named their cosplay event "Cosplay Contest" instead of "Masquerade".  Because their formal dance is called the "Masquerade Ball".

[Definitely specify this]

Thank you for your fast response in this matter. I'm aware of the standard policy, but as you can imagine, going to eGaming to play, then realizing I can't, then not even being able to play one of your tournament hosted games, is a sickening feeling. That or being told ok you can't play something but then later on in the con you visibly see someone playing something that was stated as prohibited and getting away with it for a full duration (PC/laptop)

Thus instead of ratting more, I would just recommend bigger signs, particularly one that says perhaps how much is in stock. Maybe even who owns what game, because knowing the disc for the game being available didn't matter if the staff that owned the game was too busy to even rent through the rental agreement. Now I'm sure it won't go that far since that's too much information, but I'd like to be less clueless.

Or just say you can't bring/use your own PC/laptop/console/game/device AT ALL. Just prohibit all of it but the controller, because that's what it felt like. The games that were played at eGaming were either eGaming approved or brought by Digital Storm (or both). Even then, the only games that could be played are the staff owned (or Digital Storm owned) games. [Definitely specify this]. If this isn't true then you weren't being consistent on this matter. I can understand no setup/device/console/etc. I can understand I can't load a game that's not Fanime approved, but not being able to load a game that IS Fanime approved was outright awkward (until someone explained to me the liability reasons only then did it make sense).
Yeah, it felt like restricted play, not free play. Again it was all bad timing since the head was too busy running tournaments for the next x hours so I couldn't even proceed to actually play/rent via the rules so I didn't bother wasting my time after that waiting for essentially nothing.
The more I think about it the more it was "last minute stuff" more than "eGaming did wrong" so it's just a giant compound effect that was just horribly unpleasant.

Going through eGaming 2011 information as my only source of information prior to eGaming 2012 sucked. Perhaps a distinct section saying "changes to 2013" I would say would help. Or big signs saying who is the head, who is running what tournament, who on volunteer/staff actually is relevant to inquire about eGaming. Otherwise I fear eGaming which was intended to be fun, turns out no fun. [Well, again it was just bad timing, because even when 2 PM rolled around, the Artist Alley and Dealer's Room looked half empty because artists/dealers were still stuck in line at the time.]

Even playing the Arcade, which was a different division, wasn't too thrilling when the quality of the sticks on the arcade weren't up to par, and there weren't USB options to plug in .. what do you know ... your own controller/stick.

... or maybe have a completely free play distinct room where you can BYO(whatever item) but it's all self risk with a huge disclaimer saying Fanime isn't liable for whatever happens in there. Though, that idea probably was thrown out and discussed but deemed not wise.

In short:
Prohibitions stated on forums is cool, but perhaps have a gigantic sign that's even more visible.
Let the fans know what can be played or how much is available in stock. You had a Tournament of BB:Extend so naturally attendees thought your free play PS3s could play it, but you guys had exactly one copy (and a million BB:CT copies) available but also not available because the , which only staff would know who owns what anyways. It may be privy information but to an oblivious attendee it just looks like weird hoarding.
If there's a huge difference to a previous eGaming year, note it in advance somehow. I don't want generic explanations, I have read the rules as best I can and the parts that bothered me were like invisible exceptions/rules.
Digital Storm promoting Diablo III seemed fine on a PC standpoint, but eGaming (and Arcade) seemed to promote "tournaments" or some form of competition, so having that there seemed rather awkward. It's like having a staff member playing his/her own copy of a PS3 RPG game at Fanime. Nice promotion, but weird reality. Almost feels like an exclusive member zone or something.
On a positive note, the fact that you had those online-only-for-the-most-part Blizzard games active also means you had internet connection. Cool, since the room if I recall basically didn't have internet in previous eGaming years.
As stated to death, the liability explanation makes the situation make much more sense. But prior to that, before learning why, it does look really ridiculous to someone who merely wanted to play an electronic game at Fanime.
And it's fine to have a good up to date topic on forums but ... perhaps better relocation from the main site? The main Fanime site looked empty many times and was not the right place to look for eGaming information for the most part.
Not allowed to play your own electronic device? Fine. Trying to play an approved game? Ok let's try that. Last year it felt like there was a surplus of free play devices and a good variety, while this year it felt like there was a huge shortage of like, everything. That's when the reality of eGaming seemed to take a nosedive. It's like uh this has nothing to do with anything, why am I here again?

Well, as long as improvements are done, I say good luck and hope it works! I won't be here to see it but it'd be nice to hear positive commentary on eGaming when I talk with people.



On a completely different feedback note, I wasn't too thrilled that Fanime resource on pre-registration had a Bill Me Later option. The concept of it was fine, until I realized when I clicked "I agree" I thought it was just a continue button (or "yes I read this"), NOT a "congratulations you just signed up for Bill Me Later, with an account number you don't know of yet, with a website you haven't seen yet. Also we credited $50 to this account. You can't go back and change into a credit card payment option for Fanime resource and they can't help you either since they already got paid hahaha."

I might have been blind but I don't remember seeing this thing manifest in my previous two registrations.

Fanime was paid, which was fine, but I had an outstanding balance of an account number I didn't know of. My information is with a third party I'm unfamiliar with. Checking with Fanime registration didn't help too much, as FanimeReg confirmed it's paid. I'm sitting at my computer back when I paid going like ok, where did this $50 go? What just happened? Oh my goodness. I went paranoid for the next few days because I didn't have a clue where to pay down the $50, and I know I had not paid $50. That and Bill Me Later doesn't take credit card (which was what I intended to do in the first place) so I ended up linking my bank account to Bill Me Later much to my dismay because I didn't get a statement until later.

I hope nobody that clicked the Bill Me Later option forgot to pay that third party back.
Probably nothing bad happened but I wouldn't be surprised if it caught one person off guard. The nasty things that could happen don't manifest until like, 6+ months pass anyways, and Fanime isn't liable either.

That's about it. Props to the staff for EFFORT because the reality was there were too many things going on for the staff for them to take care of everything. It was a lose-lose situation, not a "hmph screw you" or "I don't care" attitude thought it did look like that on several occasions, it probably is cause and effect.

I hope you can still come back and you're welcome to come to me and have a great conversation so we can have a better understanding about the situation in a friendly matter.  I feel you when policies gets very complicated to follow that can limit our freedom of choices and what we want to play that can ruin our experience.  Policies will always change every year.  We will review this.  Thanks for the very detailed feedback.

I'm very sorry about your experience.  We do our best to try to have games available to play and make it fair for the Arcade so there's no conflict as friendly as possible.  Keep in mind that the standard policy is no refund are issue.  We will take note of your complaints so we can improve and work on our weakness.

[The Bad]

The Bad
* egaming BYOC

I can explain the 3 reason why our department  won't allow having other attendees bringing their own console and set up their own games:

1. Legal liability issues.  Lots of contract forms to sign (both for eGaming and logistics/ConOps), inventory re-checkup, equipment confusion (especially with PS3/XBox360/Wii that has DLC content).

2. Conflicts with arcade, if said game(s) are shown in the Arcade, like Super Street Fighter IV Arcade, DDR, etc.  No setting up console nor use games that Arcade has which some attendees might do.

3. Illegal content.  People most likely will bring hacked console.  This also applies to Laptop being displayed such as if someone does set up Stepmania publicly connecting a usb converter with a ddr pads.  People even set up illegally download arcade hacked to pc that Arcade has which can violate what said in #2.

Let's congratulate Josef Magdael for being the winner of the Fanime's Gamer Royale 2012 tournament.

If you like to know the 2 mystery game I revealed at the con.  The first mystery game was Brain Age 2 on the Nintendo DS while the final mystery game is Nintendo World Championship 1990 (reproduction cartridge).

For those who entered or watched the event.  I would love to hear some feedback what I can improve this event.  Thanks for making this event happen!

Catherine Tournament

PS3
-Vs mode
-Single elimination
-Each participants picks 1 stage
-Banned stage: Empireo
-Best out 2 out of 3 matches
-Final round is first 5 victories match.

How does one get eliminated from it? Is it a speed run or based on points?

Neither.  I meant to say Single Elimination Bracket.  Its one on one against each other.  Just reach to the top or make your opponent fall.  Winner moves to next round.  Plain and simple.

Couple of questions.

Is it Sonic 1?
Is a Genesis controller being used for Sonic? (just want to make sure)

Yes. It will be Sonic 1 on the Sega Genesis controller.

Tournament Prizes has been updated on the top.  Worth competing for!

Bump!  Made a facebook event group if anyone is interested!  See the main topic.

How tempting

What version of KI is it (SNES? Emulated Arcade?)

It will be SNES version.  If we did have the arcade version that would of been awesome.  Can't do Emulated version in our department.

Sonic 1? Look who you're talking to. I'm the College of Marin Animation Club's unofficial Sonic EXPERT. I have played through all of the Genesis games, and I can even tell you rare info on the Sonic 1 BETA if you want.

Awesome!  Give this one a shot if you think you can win!

Kinda interested. It seems like Screwattack's Iron Man of Gaming

Yes it is.  That's part of what it is based on and sort of inspired from "The Wizard" and we're gonna make it epic!

Catherine Tournament

PS3
-Vs mode (Reach for the top first or make your opponent fall)
-Single elimination Bracket (winners moves to the next round)
-Each participants picks 1 stage
-Banned stage: Empireo
-Best out 2 out of 3 matches
-Final round is first 5 victories match.

FanimeCon eGaming presents a new tournament like none other:
Gamer Royale
Fanime Day 2 @ 3pm.

Players will test their skills by playing different games in  each round.  Each round varies until conditions are met. So be prepared!  There are 5 games total that must be overcome! Some luck and skill will  be needed to win and be the best!  Here are the following games:

Round 1: Sonic the Hedgehog
Round 2: Killer Instinct
Round 3: Tetris Party
Round 4: Mystery Game #1
Round 5: Mystery Game #2

Runner Up Prize:  $20 Gift Card
Grand Prize:  Next year pass to FanimeCon 2013

I can only give you limited info regarding the rules and how it's setup.  Are you prepared for the challenge?
Even if you don't participate, it's worth checking out especially revealing the Mystery games!

http://www.facebook.com/events/395074697182761/

I'M EXCITED!!  Can't believe you changed the location and I'm looking forward to this event!

B&W Ball was a lots of fun.  Got to dance with many different type of people.  I personally think this is a lot more fun than my senior prom since B&W Ball has a lot more variety in terms of dances such as waltz, swing dance, tango, etc.  This was the event that got me into ballroom dancing to this day.

I would post this in "Meetings, Gatherings, and Get Togethers" section.

Here's my photos:

http://www.cosplay.com/gallery/210410/

I was the Brain Age guy at Fanime.  You're welcome to add me on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001196802041

As long the dress skirt does not go higher than 2 inches above the knees

And also check under here.
http://www.fanime.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Black_and_White_Ball_2011.pdf

And ask here if you need to ask regarding outfit.
http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,11390.0.html

If you see the guy wearing the Brain Age cosplay (or guy with the Brain Age sign on his head) during Fanime, I can explain a lot more about the event that you need to konw since I've been attending since 2007 and started helping out 2008.