Guide

STALCRAFT: X Cosplay Contest

Our most wonderful year is still in full swing, which means it's time to run a contest for the first time for all those with skilled hands trained in sewing and crafting. The creators of the best costumes will receive the exclusive suits in the game, namely the legendary Albatross Heavy Assault! We've also prepared gift boxes with STALCRAFT: X merch, Elbruses and the obligatory prizes for all participants who will just at least try to win.

The main goal is to create a bright and recognisable image from the STALCRAFT: X game, which will stand out among other participants. We'll be comparing your cosplay to the works of other contestants in the categories we'll cover below. Remember, the more nominations your costume qualifies for, the better your chances of winning!

General requirements for contest costumes

• Participants can choose any costumes and images from our game. The main requirement is that the chosen character or creature should embody a recognisable image from the game and fit at least one of the nominations.
• We won't be reviewing cosplays of images from the original Stalker;
• We don't recommend reproducing regular zombies, or very basic jackets or standard military personnel. This may not be a sufficiently recognisable image from STALCRAFT: X;
• Although the rain jacket with frog boots is a more recognisable image than simple jackets, we don't recommend reproducing it either;
• We will be comparing the participants to each other (within the nominations). Participation is possible even in more generic images, but remember that the more detail and accuracy in the costume, the higher your chances of winning. The costume with all the character's key elements (armour, accessories, and weapon) will be rated higher.

Costumes references

We've prepared pictures for visualisation of the costumes for you to look carefully on the details. It is not at all necessary to be guided by these pictures only — these are just examples.

Originality, attention to detail and consistency with the chosen image are key factors in the evaluation.

Participation rules

• It's forbidden to use other people's creative materials.
• It's forbidden to send the works that have already participated in the similar contest.
• Each participant can only submit one work and can only choose to enter one image (if you are so talented and are willing to make multiple costumes, you will have to register each additional costume for a different person: one participant = one work).
• Contest works are to be created specifically for this event.
• The work must not violate moral, ethical and legal norms of the Russian Federation, and must take into account the current political environment.
• By submitting the application form, you confirm your agreement with contests rules — contest general terms and conditions.
• The organiser reserves the right to independently decide all matters related to the competition.
• Photos and videos of all participants may be posted on the website and social media at the discretion of the contest's organisers.
• It is forbidden to use photo editing and video editing software to distort the actual appearance of the costume, including colour correction. The only possible solution is to crop the work around the edges, without distorting how the costume (the outward manifestation of the image) looks in reality.

Cosplay evaluation criteria

Our cosplay contest will be evaluated by a group of judges. These judges will carefully evaluate your works using our scoring system, taking into account all the key aspects that will help bring out the best costumes.

The main evaluation criteria are the following:

• Confirmation to the model: The accuracy of recreating a character, costume, or creature from the STALCRAFT: X universe is evaluated.
• Quality of performance and detail of the image: The neatness of production using various techniques (sewing, 3D printing, painting, etc.) is important, as well as unique elements and interpretations that make the costume memorable and unique.
• Photo or video quality: The better the photos or videos, the easier it will be for us to objectively evaluate your work. It is not about the Photoshop, it's about the quality of the picture and the composition. Good photos can compensate for minor flaws in the costume if the angle is good.

Submitting the application

• Applications will be accepted from 07 November 2024 to 05 January 2025 via the following link: Google Form.
• Participants should write their real data (full name), STALCRAFT: X character nickname, one of the means of communication (e-mail). The application should be supplemented with high-quality photos of the costume from different angles, including close-ups. An attachment of photos taken during the image development process would be an advantage. We also recommend that you attach a description of the materials and techniques used. To stimulate active and discussion, participants' work will be featured in social media posts and public contest albums to motivate others to participate.

Source: Allaz_3331 from Forum

Nominations

In each of the nominations, one participant who fits the conditions and has been selected by voting of the competition jury wins. We have 7 major nominations and 2 minor nominations prepared:

Major nominations

The winner of each main category receives a personalised Albatross Heavy Assault and a gift box with STALCRAFT: X merch. If the winner wishes, they can receive 8000 coupons instead of the Albatross Heavy Assault.

Nomination name	Nomination description
Stalker	The most accurate and comprehensive recreation of any suit of Stalker, Newbie or Picklock rank.
Veteran	The most accurate and comprehensive recreation of any suit of Veteran rank.
Master	The most accurate and comprehensive recreation of any suit of Master rank.
Mutant	The most impressive realisation of the mutant image (we don't consider regular zombies).
Story character	Best cosplay of a character with a key role in the main or northern storyline of STALCRAFT: X, with an emphasis on recreating all aspects of the character accurately.
Beauty in details	The most detailed costume that impresses with the level of detail, accuracy, and quality of workmanship of each element (from seams to small decorative details), and for handmade work where most or all elements are handmade with an emphasis on the time-consuming nature of the process.
Funniest costume	For the most creative and humorous approach to the image. Here we do not evaluate the exact match to the character, but originality and satirical presentation!

Minor nominations

The winner of each minor nomination is awarded an Elbrus detector, and a gift set with STALCRAFT: X merch.

Nomination name	Nomination description
Best supporting costume	It is awarded to the participant whose cosplay did not take first place, but impressed with its elaboration and originality so much that it cannot be left without an award.
Frame master	Best photo/video presentation of the costume, including composition, lighting, and overall aesthetics of the shot, as well as for the most convincing embodiment of the character through acting, poses, facial expressions and other elements that create a cohesive and memorable image.

Guaranteed prize

All participants who have put at least some effort into their costumes will receive the guaranteed prizes. Even if the job doesn't turn out perfect, it's important to see that effort and endeavour was put in (not just buying a stalkerstrike costume). Each participant who has put in the hard work and creativity will receive a consolation prize to reward their commitment and willingness to take part in the competition, regardless of the final result.

The guaranteed prize includes:

Aesthete Token	1 pc.
Wooden crate	1 pc.
Trade coins	10,000 pcs.
Black present (personal)	50 pcs.
Barter coupon for Master rank armour 15%	1 pc.
Barter coupon for Master rank weapons 15%	1 pc.
Black Market style case	40 pcs.
Premium (personal)	30 days.

RED EXPO 2024

A cherry on top for all the Moscow citizens and tourists coming there for RED EXPO Convention (that takes place from November, 28th to December 1st in Crocus EXPO). We have some very cool prizes for all guests who come to our stand in STALCRAFT: X cosplay!

If you come to the convention wearing cosplay on a recognisable image from the STALCRAFT: X game, you will get a special and quite valuable surprise from us. Our stand will be open all four days, and there will be live chatting with developers (including ZIV) and activities with our signature gameplay design. And of course, we will give out promo codes, LOTS OF PROMO CODES!

We wish good luck to all future participants, and may no one leave disappointed! 
EXBO Team