Hey folks,
Our Gamescom Beer2Gether in Cologne happened almost a week ago! It was a pleasure to meet many new faces, and we hope those of you who joined had a good time (we sure did). For those of you who couldn't attend, here's a recap of the events:
6:45PM We've set up shop in the Tanzbar in Cologne, in the heart of the old town. We're a stone's throw from the Koelnmesse where the Gamescom itself has been taking place for the past week (if you have, like, a Craver's arm). Our photobooth is ready for action, our goodies are prominently displayed on the table, and a couple of players have arrived early. Three cosplayers are joining us in full Hissho & Yuusho regalia, but there's no sign of them yet. We receive this picture from them without any context:
It seems our samurai birbs have befriended a ninja. We're kind of worried, but remain confident.
7:15 PM Our cosplayers have arrived and are doing a mighty job of looking badass. The VIPs have found our Creative Director Spacetroll and are eagerly listening to a top-secret reveal of some of the upcoming content, including the ongoing development of the Umbral Choir faction & the rest of the spying expansion. Endless Space 2 Lead Game designer Jhell tries to impress the Hissho with his moves, but forgets to actually unsheathe his blade.
7:45 PM Having lost a bet, our VIP Sinnaj63 puts on what is possibly the worst (or best?) Horatio cosplay in existence. We are all equally horrified and snort-laughing. Spacetroll decides that this should be immortalized.
8:45 PM The local DJ, having probably had enough of playing the Endless Space 2 soundtrack for the last 90 minutes, abruptly switches to more standard club fare, then gets his picture taken with our Hissho band. We will not get control back of the music being played that night.
9:35 PM The Hissho/Yuusho group abruptly depart, citing a "threat posed by a Vodyani fleet in low orbit".
10:10 PM Several locals wander into our party and start helping themselves to the bar. We hop over and start explaining in English that this is a private function. They don't speak English. We don't speak German. A diplomatic crisis is afoot, until we remember that, silly us, we're surrounded by German players, and kindly ask someone to interpret for us. Pragmatically, they agree to leave, but only if they can finish their drinks first. This is an acceptable condition and we all start nodding in agreement.
11:40 PM The Hissho return, and sit down at the bar with a heavy sigh, and order the strongest drink available (still draft beer). They say no words, but something dramatic must have happened. They will not speak of where they've gone or what they've done.
12:20 AM Jhell asks the Hissho admiral for a knighthood. That the Hissho don't have knighting ceremonies fazes no one. The Admiral obliges, and gives a very moving speech.
01:45 AM Things get weird.
A robot in human disguise has infiltrated this picture. I'm ambivalent about it.
8:20 AM After a short night's sleep, we're on our way to the train station that'll take us back to Paris. This is how you fit three developers and a 2 meter rollup banner in the back of a Mercedes:
An immense thank you to our very talented cosplay team! Samus & Libs are part of an outfit called Studio LoveCraft, where they make Cthulhu puns and amazing costumes. Check out their profiles below to see more pictures and see their other projects:
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Hissho Admiral: Samus cosplay
Hissho Bodyguard: Maverick cosplay
Yuusho: Libs cosplay (costume by Samus)
Handler: Cynshenzi
We had a great time, and we hope you did, too. If you couldn't make it, we'll try to organize more Beer2Gethers in more locations to meet more of you...
If you were there, feel free to share your favorite pictures in the comments below!
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