Youmacon 2013

YOUMACON, Metro Detroit's Anime Convention, will not just be returning to the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center this Halloween Weekend, but will also be expanding its massive four-day event into the newly renovated Cobo Center. Youmacon is a popular culture event similar to most “Comic Cons”, however instead of focusing on comic books, Youmacon is a celebration of Japanese popular culture and its influence on our own culture over the past few decades. Common themes throughout the event are Anime (Japanese animation), Video Games, Japanese style artwork and comics, and the rising internet culture influenced by all of the above. Youmacon brings a unique all-ages mix of interactive events, celebrity guest panels, and live musical performances to Downtown Detroit. One of its most popular events, “Live Action Mario Party”, emulates the video game experience – often filling the room to fire code capacity. Players participate in gameshow-like mini-games to help their teams advance and win. Wearing costumes, or “Cosplay” as it's known at conventions, is very popular with attendees of Youmacon. It is not uncommon to walk into a pair of Italian plumbers in overalls on the escalator, only to meet someone dressed as Edward Elric or Master Chief from Halo minutes later. Also unique to this year's convention is the annual Youmacon Battle Opera - one of the largest console fighting game tournaments in the country. Participants can compete in up to 19 games such as Super Street Fighter 4, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3, Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Soul Calibur 5, King of Fighters 13, and many others. A tentative list of all video games can be found at youmacon.com/battle-opera. In addition to its massive video game tournament, Youmacon will also be bringing back its 24 hour gaming rooms. The casual video game room located in the Renaissance Center will feature not only the latest Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo titles, but also pick-up PC gaming featuring popular games such as Riot Game’s League of Legends, Blizzard’s StarCraft II, and Diablo III. The 24-hour tabletop gaming room will feature popular card games, board games, and roleplaying games. Youmacon 2013 will take place the weekend following Halloween: October 31 – November 3, 2013 at Downtown Detroit's two most iconic venues: Cobo Center and the Renaissance Center. Thursday's programming is always free from 8pm until 2am. Three-Day badges (tickets) are now available online until September 15th at youmacon.com, and day passes along with three-day badges will be available during the convention at the registration booth inside the Cobo Center. Use of the Detroit People Mover is encouraged for transportation between the two locations; however The Renaissance Center and Cobo Hall are just a brief 8 minute walk apart along Downtown Detroit's beautiful river walk. Each registered adult is entitled to a free registration for one child age 12 or under, and $10 registrations for up to three additional children age 12 and under. Child registrations are processed and paid for at-con for both pre-registered attendees and those registering at the con. No children age 12 or under may attend the convention without the supervision of an adult. Included with each registration is access to all of the previously mentioned events, game rooms, guest panels, and vendor rooms inside of Cobo. A small number of supplemental events, including the annual Charity Ball, Maid Café, and individual video game tournaments are priced at the event for an additional $10 each. A handful of panels with mature content (such as violence and language), are strictly restricted to those 18 and over, and require a valid Photo ID to enter.