Behind a screen a world can become as big as someone wants. They can compete, work together, win, lose, create and make friends that they may have never met in real life. But what happens when that digital world suddenly comes to real life? Then Escon (Esports Suriname Convention) is created. On September 25 and 26, the gaming and esports convention will once again transform into a meeting place for gamers, cosplayers, creators, families, companies and anyone curious about digital culture.
Text Shanavon Arsomedjo
Image Esports Suriname
Escon will be held for the third time next weekend by Esports Suriname. In previous editions, the organizers have learned that the interest in gaming in Suriname is much greater and more versatile than just competitive gaming. That’s why Escon doesn’t want to be an event based around one game or one tournament. After all, gaming isn’t just about sitting for hours with a controller in your hand.
“Gaming is also a form of culture, a skill and for some even a possible career”
Xiyah Bilkerdijk
A game may look simple on the outside, but a good player often has skills such as problem solving, strategy, communication, teamwork, reaction and perseverance. This becomes even clearer in Esports. Players must perform under pressure, make quick decisions and function as a team at the same time.
The organization wants to show that gaming is not just entertainment. “It is also a form of culture, a skill and for some even a possible career,” says Xiyah Bilkerdijk, event coordinator of Escon and vice-chairman of Esports Suriname. the True Time. “These possibilities are also becoming increasingly broader. Young people who may have previously only played a game, are now discovering that they can also create content around it. They stream, build communities, organize tournaments or work on creative projects. Some discover their talent for video, photography, graphic design or technology.”
From online to offline
However, the most important part of the convention is not what happens on a screen, but what happens between people. Online, a gamer can collaborate for hours with someone on the other side of the world. On Escon, that same person can suddenly be standing next to his online peer. A creator meet new audiences. A company comes into direct contact with young people. And a parent who mainly sees a child sitting behind a screen at home can discover during Escon what is actually going on behind that interest. In short, it’s about teamwork, competition, creativity, technology, communication and, above all, people.
That physical contact brings those virtual contacts into the real world. And that is sometimes where connections are created that go beyond the event. People get to know each other through gaming, esports or cosplay and then also visit each other outside of Escon. This is how our own community slowly grows.
Cosplay with a story
Cosplay occupies a special place within that world. The cosplay contest returns this year, but the focus is on more than just a nice costume. Because behind a character there can be hours, days or even months of work. Designing, sewing, painting, foam craftingwoodworking, 3D printing, prop making, makeup and styling are just some of the skills that can be involved in cosplay. On top of that comes research, planning, storytellingpresenting and acting.
A strong cosplayer does not simply put on a costume. He tries to bring a character to life. For that reason, this year more attention will be paid to the work behind each cosplay. The contest is further structured and the jury does not only look at the appearance of the end result. This also makes the craftsmanship behind the creation visible. That is ultimately one of Escon’s important messages: someone does not need to know in advance exactly where their talent lies.
In addition to professional gamers and esports, there are opportunities for experienced and emerging streamers, content creatorsvideo makers, photographers, graphic designers, community managers, shoutcasters, tournament organizers, game developers and 3D artists or people who are interested in that. Creative skills can also be used around cosplay for costume design, propsmake-up, styling, photography and content. This can be an interesting discovery for Surinamese young people: a hobby does not necessarily have to remain just a hobby.
Be yourself
Yet, according to Bilkerdijk, the meaning of Escon ultimately lies elsewhere. One image in particular stuck in the first edition. Not an exciting competition or a striking costume, but young people who were visibly at ease, felt like themselves and did not have to be afraid of being judged for who they are or what they love. They found people with similar interests. New friendships were formed. For some, the convention almost felt like home.
And that is exactly where the ambition for the future lies. “Escon must grow into a platform for the entire gaming and creative community of Suriname. Not just an event that is on the calendar once a year, but a brand and community where activities, competitions, creatorprojects, workshops and other initiatives can emerge. Don’t just come for one competition or one event. Watch an esports competition. Take a look at the exhibitors. Look at the cosplayers. Try a gaming activity yourself. Find out what creators and the community do.”
Esports Suriname wants to create a place where digital passion brings people together, talent becomes visible and everyone can have the feeling: “here are people who understand me”.
