We recently had a chance to send some questions over to Game Informer’s Meagan “VirtualGirl” VanBurkleo and the answers are fascinating.  We discussed everything from her involvement in cosplay to her opinion of Jack Thompson.  She recently finished her degree at the University of Minnesota, studying Graphic Design and Journalism / Mass Communications.  You may also recognize her as the “Video Game Vixen” for the Girls Entertainment Network and Meagan writes a cosplay blog for Japanator, one of our favorite sites in the world.  The picture to your left is from her Aphrodite IX cosplay photo shoot.  More images are located at the bottom of the article. 

1. How long have you been into cosplay and how did you get into it in the first place?

I first got into cosplay about two years ago. I have been playing video games my whole life, but up until that time I was a solo gamer. I never ventured online to post in forums, keep up with the latest news or chat with other gamers. Ironically, my only method of keeping up with the video game world was in my issue of Game Informer each month. When I started slowly working my way into the online world, I began to join video game enthusiast groups and make friends with fellow gamers. This is where I was first introduced to cosplay. Many of the female gamer friends I made online dressed up as their favorite fictional characters and frequented conventions. As soon as I found out what it was, I was hooked. I can still remember idolizing some of the girls for their fantastic talent and accuracy in portraying their characters.

Looking back, I had unknowingly been cosplaying previous to my introduction to the hobby. At that point in time I had several years of modeling under my belt, something I did for fun and to create unique images. Part of the draw to modeling for me had been the thrill of stepping out of my shoes for a period of time, to be something or someone else. I slowly started putting together themed shoots. One as an Ice Queen, and another as a Harem Girl were my first real experiences in “Costume Play.” After I was introduced to the world of cosplay formally, I knew I wanted to take it to a whole new level.

I started off rather tentatively. Lara Croft seemed like the most appropriate costume for me to start with, as I will sadly admit that I pretended to be her more than once without occasion when growing up. Her costume was easy enough, but looking back it was not nearly as successful as I though it was at the time. Still, I had a blast wearing it to my first convention, where I was one of only two people to dress up. I still have not professionally photographed the costume, because Lara Croft is one of my video game heroes and I can’t bring myself to document my work till it is perfect.

Things have increased at an exponential rate from there. Next I moved onto a Wonder Woman costume. I bought the official DC Comics ensemble, and modified it to make it look a bit better. I am slowly learning how to sew and create props, so my costumes are getting more ambitions with time. Now, I cosplay every chance I get. I currently have over a dozen costumes completed, and twice as many on my to-do list. I try to create costumes from a full spectrum of sources, such as video games, anime, comics and soon movie characters. Some of my favorite completed costumes include Top Cow’s Aphrodite IX, Adam Hughes’ Catwoman, Mamimi from FLCL and a Super Mario Sisters tribute I put together with some friends. I also just finished Zatanna and Elektra and will be shooting the costumes later this month.

2. How do you like writing for Game Informer so far?  As a writer yourself, do you feel game journalism is headed in the right direction online or do we need to make some drastic changes?

Writing for Game Informer is fantastic and a dream come true for me. I am not joking when I say that it had always been my goal to work for the magazine from the day I found out they were a Minneapolis based publication. I applied more than once for the position and would not give up harassing the office till I managed to get my foot in the door for an interview. I guess persistence pays off!

As far as the climate for game journalism, I don’t think that is an easy question to answer. The Internet is in its most basic form is a tool to spread information and a forum to provide voices for individuals. It seems in this age of blogging and web-casting, everyone has an opinion and their opinions are heard loud and clear. As far as I can see, there is not a debilitating problem with the world of video game journalism. It seems more likely that individuals or groups of individuals make bad choices and the rampant mob known as the Internet holds a mirror to their face and spreads the word across the net. Accountability for our actions is a good thing without a doubt, but it is easy for something to be blown out of proportion on the web.

So other than a few isolated incidents, I don’t see a large problem.  However, it could just be my tunnel vision from working for such a fantastic publication. It was funny coming into Game Informer for the first time – having all the editors put up on a pedestal from my years of reading the magazine – only to realize what I should have already known. Everyone here loves games and that is why they do what they do. I don’t know, I guess if we keep that in mind as game journalists, we will be alright.

3. We read “VirtualGirl: Beyond the Hype - An In-Depth Look at the Video Game Industry” and also checked out your ‘Beyond The Hype Page’.  When it comes to game regulation, we’re obviously against any new legislation against games.  Do you feel like game sites and game blogs have a responsibility to face off against anti-game critics such as Jack Thompson?  Some will say that we’re giving these anti-game groups attention by writing about them, but I believe it’s important to get both sides of the story out there.

(Link To Article)

The thing with these “anti-video game” groups is that they are already getting attention by using the system in their favor. All large organizations or companies use hype and sensationalism through various channels such as press releases to help further their agenda, whatever that agenda may be. While it is frustrating to read a press releases declaring that “any six-year old can walk in to a game retailer and purchase a AO game,” we are guilty of demonizing their actions as well. They say we are destroying our countries youth and we say they are violating our right to free speech. I have had the chance to talk to a few people that run groups backing restrictive video game legislation, and for the most part, they are fair, rational and reasonable people. They just have different opinions. Because I have this experience it is easier for me to not get worked up the degree I did in the past. I still disagree, but I respectfully disagree.

I think that we gamers feed off of each others energy sometimes, and it is easy to end up with a runaway forum thread resulting in the conclusion that assassinating Jack Thompson is the only logical way to prevent video games from being banned and our country from turning into a scene from V for Vendetta. In the end, I think this hurts our cause. When groups such as the Parents Television Council reads the reactions to their newest press release or legislative proposal – which they do regularly – and they see us rioting and calling for violence, it strengthens their resolve.

To answer your question, yes, I think it is important to fight back – but through the appropriate channels. Again, don’t get me wrong – I love forums and the ridiculously inappropriate things we say over the anonymity of the internet as much as the next gal – but if we are trying to effectively combat game critics, we need to go about it the right way.  We can join groups such as the Entertainment Consumers Association or the Video Game Voters Network. We can contact our representatives and ask them not to back unnecessary video game legislation and we can educate individuals about the industry enforced checks and balances that are available to keep M-rated games out of the hands of youth. We can introduce people to the euphoria a truly innovative game can create and by doing so, hopefully foster a greater appreciation and understanding of the pastime. All these things would help to effectively combat “anti-game critics.”

4. After reading many of your authored articles on the net including ‘Beyond The Hype’, we go the impression that you are a gamer who plans to make a difference in this industry.  Is making a difference currently a goal of yours?

Video games and the video game industry are a passion for me. It is hard to describe to people outside of the video game community why I am so drawn to this form of entertainment, and sometimes I can’t put it into words. All I know is that some of the best moments of my life  – such as sitting awe-struck watching the CG intro to Final Fantasy VIII with my two brothers – have a video game at the heart of them. I want others to have moments like those. If I can help highlight or bring those experiences to others, that will be a small difference I can make. I am especially interested in video game accessibility at the moment, as I can’t imagine having the desire to play a video game but lacking the capacity because of neglect on the developmental side. I hope to do more work with that in the future. I also am really interested in doing some local charity work. I am thinking of organizing a community “Super Hero” car wash with some cosplaying buddies in order to raise money to purchase a Wii and some games for a children’s hospital near the GI office. That will be fun and equally rewarding!

I tend to be an all-or-nothing kind of gal, so whatever I do, I give my 100%.  I don’t know where my career will lead me, but yes, I plan on to use the opportunity to do some good!

5. As a skilled visual artist yourself, do you consider video games a form of art?

I have always considered video games art, although I know that many people still disagree with that viewpoint. In my opinion the tremendous amount of talent required to create a modern-day video game brands the medium as art by default. Masterly composed music, appropriate sound effects, thoughtfully developed character-art, compelling environmental design, intuitive interface design – even finishing touches such as lighting and particle effects, all require a vast amount of knowledge, understanding of common goals and artistic flair to perfect. Creating a phenomenal video game calls for the communal effort of dozens or hundreds of talented individuals who will work together to craft an experience. I guess in my mind, I don’t know how you can’t call both the process, and the end result, art. 

written by Will Snizek \\ tags: Adam Hughes, Aphrodite, Chance, costume, DC Comics, Elektra, Features, forum, game, hype, Informer, Internet, Jack Thompson, journalism, Lara Croft, legislation, magazine, Mario Sisters, Minneapolis, press, publication, question, time, video

Friday, May 16th, 2008 at 5:50 pm