Imitation Guns Banned From Games Convention Over Security Fears

Organisers of the four-day event in Germany say fans who dress up as their favourite characters must leave fake weapons at home.

Sunday 14 August 2016 17:37, UK

"Cosplayers" like this one pictured last year must leave their guns at home
Image: 'Cosplayers' are a regular feature of the annual convention
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Imitation weapons have been banned from one of the world's biggest video games conventions following recent terror attacks.

Fans travelling to the Gamescom convention in the German city of Cologne have been warned to expect much tighter security at the event.

Gamescom gets under way on Wednesday, with the latest versions of Call Of Duty and FIFA 17 among the biggest attractions.

"Due to the terrible incidents of the past weeks, the safety and preventions measures at Gamescom 2016 have been adapted," the organisers said in a statement.

"The measures apply for all participants of Gamescom."

Organisers do not want fans arriving at the convention with imitation weapons
Image: Organisers do not want fans arriving at the convention with imitation weapons

The Cologne convention differs from the annual E3 event in Los Angeles because Gamescom is widely open to fans. 

They are able to play games due to be released in the coming year.

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Traditionally, many gamers also use the event to "cosplay", wearing costumes based on their favourite gaming world characters.

This year, organisers have asked them to not bring imitation weapons as part of their outfits.

"Gamescom also lives from the creativity of your costumes and as such cosplayers are still heartily welcome," the statement said.

Around 300,00 gaming fans are expected at the event in Cologne
Image: Around 300,00 gaming fans are expected at the event in Cologne

"Due to the incidents of the past days, we would kindly ask for your understanding that all imitation weapons or weapon-like items forming part of your costume are not permitted at Gamescom 2016."

More than 300,000 fans are expected to turn up at the four-day event, which has been running since 2009.

Electronic Arts (EA) are one of several well known publishers who will use the show to give fans the chance to play new games, including Battlefield 1, the company's First World War epic.

The next instalment in Activision's hugely successful Destiny franchise, Rise Of Iron, is also due to be previewed at the show, alongside Fifa 17 and the new Call Of Duty, Infinite Warfare.

It will feature Game Of Thrones star Kit Harington as its villain.