Insomnia cosplay rules have been reversed in an attempt to regain community support.
Organisers of the revived UK LAN event have hastily backtracked after fresh announcements for i74 left a sour taste.
Insomnia cosplay rules requiring additional fees spark intense backlash
Following the event’s abrupt exit from the UK gaming scene after the subsidiary company behind Insomnia Gaming Festival entered liquidation, new leadership has taken over to revive the event’s identity. However, they have not been received well in the community.
Most recently, their August 18th i74 event announcement tanked Insomnia’s relationship with the cosplay community.
Cosplay has long been viewed as an integral part of the Insomnia Gaming Festival’s identity. However, the newly proposed Insomnia cosplay rules immediately cast a shadow over their announcement.
Their i74 announcement declared that all cosplayers would be required to pay a £15 fee. This fee would be necessary to provide cosplayers with access to dedicated cosplay areas, dressing spaces, and the opportunity to participate in Masquerades and Championship competitions.
Instagram comments immediately formed the epicentre of backlash.
Cosplayer ‘eufiemoon’ explained, “It’s really disappointing to see what was a huge community event for so many attendees (some of whom, yes, do cosplay) actively alienate an entire demographic of those attendees.”
She also reminded Insomnia organisers that “Cosplay is a PART of insomnia’s community and event – not a seperate add-on you can pay extra for the privilege of access to.”
The proposed Insomnia cosplay rules were viewed by many as a move to make cosplayers an added feature. This directly opposes the more widespread opinion that cosplayers are one of the primary communities engaging with it.
Insomnia organisers respond with a rapid U-turn
With disdain for the proposed Insomnia cosplay rules on display, organisers were forced into a rapid change of heart.
Insomnia organisers made further clarifications to the pay barrier and their previous justification (in now-deleted Instagram comments) that the fee was there to limit area access for safety:
“We also want to acknowledge that, without a pay barrier, it’s important we still look after your wellbeing in these spaces. We’ll be exploring other safeguarding measures to make sure the Cosplay Zone remains safe, welcoming, and comfortable for everyone. This includes talking directly to experienced cosplayers, working with cosplay groups and listening to your suggestions on what support you’d like to see.”
As a result of the Insomnia cosplay rules backlash, organisers also had to restate and re-enforce a commitment to respecting the heritage of cosplay at the Insomnia Gaming Festival:
“We understand the importance of cosplayers throughout the history of insomnia. While the event is evolving and finding its way back to its roots, we want to make sure it remains a great, welcoming, and inclusive space for you. Cosplay has been a vibrant part of the Insomnia experience for many years, and that won’t change.”
Finally, the event organisers pledged to continue sharing updates.
“We’ll continue to share more updates with you as they happen. In the meantime, thank you for your passion, honesty, and for holding us accountable. It really helps us create the best event possible.”
They also had to apologise for insensitive remarks made when defending the event from the backlash.
These comments have since been removed. However, they apologised for acting in an “unprofessional manner.” They acknowledged, “we came off as uncaring and as if we weren’t taking it seriously.”
Regardless, community members are still considering whether the event is worth supporting.
i74 venue adds to community concerns
Many in the UK gaming and esports community also voiced concerns about the location for i74.
The original Insomnia Gaming Festival was held at the NEC in Birmingham. As a well-equipped venue with good transport connections and multiple hotel options, it was viewed as an ideal location for LAN events.
However, the new Insomnia organisers also revealed on August 18th that i74 would be held at the Staffordshire County Showgrounds.
The closest hotel to the venue is 1.6 miles away, and prices start at £220 per night. Cheaper options in Stafford are 3 miles away with limited public transportation. Even the closest train station is 3.2 miles from the venue.
Adding to venue woes are questions around camping options, electricity fees, and even a near-£100 charge for a private port-a-loo.
Another disgruntled cosplayer, ‘justgencosplay’, commented, “This is all a joke right? A wild dream I’m having?”
In particular, she questioned, “Paying extra for electric hookups, not mentioning whether the camping is inside or outside. £95 for a private loo. £15 for a cosplay ticket, with no explanation of what you get for your money.”
It is clear that if the Insomnia revival is going to see any form of success, more work must be done to regain the community’s trust.
Ridiculed Insomnia cosplay rules are certainly not a great place to start.
Hannah is a writer specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for outlets such as Dot Esports, Esports Insider, and of course ENUK, she has developed a love for wider esports and Apex Legends, although it may never surpass her drive to passionately beat her friends in every game of Mariokart. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ESI London, EGX, Discover: Esports and many League of Legends watch parties.