Cosplay - a costume game, reincarnation in various roles, consisting in dressing up in costumes and transfer of character, body language and facial expressions of characters from computer games, cinema, literature, comics, anime and manga. As a rule, this hobby involves making a costume and elements of the chosen character's attributes. Has some connection with the role-playing movement (the difference is that cosplay does not involve the development of the plot and character, but focuses on the character traits described in the source), as well as with historical reconstruction (requires detailed recreation of the historical prototype). Level and complexity of character creation. Can vary greatly and range from simple themed clothing to costumes with a high degree of detail or complex technical implementation of elements. The image chosen for the cosplay can be taken from any source or invented by the author of the cosplay as an original idea or as a synthesis of various well-known characters and styles (for example, a steampunk version of a well-known character).
The main attribute of cosplay is the costume.
Typically, the costume is made by a cosplayer of their own from improvised means or specialized materials for props, but there are also costumes to buy. Depending on the complexity of the costume its making requires the skills of sewing, working with paper and cardboard, dyeing, working with plastic, plexiglass, fabric, ability to work with locksmith and turning tools, etc. There are also teams and individuals who specialize in processing custom cosplay commissions.