Press Play Convention Guam Anime Gaming

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Press Play!
Con 2025

IT'S NEVER GAME OVER

“It’s Never Game Over” – A Campaign for Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention (This year's theme)

"Press Play! Con" embraces the theme “It’s Never Game Over” to shine a light on mental health awareness and suicide prevention through the universal language of gaming, anime, and cosplay. The event uses creativity, fandom, and community to inspire hope, connection, and resilience.

Just as in games where players fall, restart, and keep going, this theme reminds everyone that life offers second chances and support is always available. Through panels, performances, and partnerships, the event fosters open conversations about mental health, breaks down stigma, and promotes self-expression as a pathway to healing.

At its heart, "Press Play! Con" celebrates the message that no matter how difficult life’s challenges may seem, you are not alone, help is out there, and it’s never game over.

Led by MAD Studio Productions in collaboration with UP Media, "Press Play! Con" has evolved into one of Guam’s newest pop culture events. It’s not just about fandom—it’s about creating opportunities.

Our Goal

To make "Press Play! Con" the heart of anime, gaming, and pop culture in the Pacific, giving fans, creators, and businesses a platform that inspires creativity, drives collaboration, and puts Guam on the global stage.

How It Benefits Guam

Community: Creates a positive and inclusive space where fans of all ages can connect, collaborate, and share their passions.
Family: Creates a safe, family-friendly event where parents and kids can celebrate together through cosplay, games, art, and storytelling.
Economy: Brings in sponsors, vendors, and tourists—supporting local businesses, boosting sales, and driving mall traffic.
Culture: Spotlights CHamoru heritage alongside global pop culture, blending tradition with modern art, performance, and design.
Asia-Pacific Hub: Positions Guam as a central gathering point for fans and creators from across Asia and the U.S., building cultural exchange and regional influence.

🔥 Get hyped—"Press Play! Con" is coming, and it’s packed with non-stop fun, fandom, and creativity!

✨ Suit up for our epic cosplay showdown, cheer on artists battling it out in the live art competition, and check out jaw-dropping anime + gaming artwork on display.

📸 Snap pics at our interactive photo zones, score delicious eats and exclusive merch deals, and test your skills in hourly gaming + trivia challenges with awesome prizes up for grabs.

🎭 Cosplay as your favorite anime or gaming character and strut your stuff! Just keep it all-ages friendly—we’re making this a party the whole family can enjoy.

🎲 Love games? We’ve got you covered. From casual console matches and tournaments to tabletop card games and even a round (or two) of Dungeons & Dragons, there’s something for every kind of player.

So what are you waiting for? Press Play, Guam! 🚀 The adventure starts now—are you ready to join?

The

Venue

Register Now

WHERE AMERICA'S ANIME & GAMING BEGINS

NOTE: To participate in the cosplay event, individuals must complete the registration form and pay a fee of $30.00. This fee is required to confirm your commitment to the event. Participants will also enjoy benefits such as an introductory video shoot and more.

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Partners & Sponsors

Avatar Arena

About the Venue

Gamers Royale

Welcome to Gamers Royale, the electrifying hub where competitive spirit meets pure fun! This area is dedicated to all things video games—whether you’re a casual player looking to enjoy a few friendly matches or a hardcore competitor hungry for victory.

Inside Gamers Royale, attendees will find:

Tournament Stage: Watch or participate in exciting competitions featuring popular titles across genres—from fast-paced fighting games to team-based shooters and battle royales. Brackets and leaderboards will keep the action intense, with winners earning prizes and recognition.
Free Play Stations: Not everything is about competition—grab a controller and dive into classic favorites or the latest releases with friends. Perfect for quick matches, relaxed gaming, or introducing newcomers to the fun.
Team Battles & Party Games: Laughter and camaraderie take center stage here with group-friendly games. Whether it’s a rhythm challenge, racing showdown, or a quirky multiplayer party game, everyone can jump in and play.
Streaming & Highlights: Some matches and special showcases will be broadcast on screens for the crowd, creating an esports-like atmosphere where the energy builds with every round.
Casual Meets Competitive: Gamers Royale isn’t only about who’s the best—it’s about celebrating gaming culture. From beginners learning the ropes to veterans showcasing their skills, this area ensures that everyone feels welcome to join in.

PARTNERSHIP DESCRIPTION

Marianas Esports League + Latte Esports League for Gamers Royale

The Marianas Esports League and Latte Esports League are collaborating to host Gamers Royale, a competitive, high-energy gaming tournament at Press Play Con.

This partnership combines the strengths of both organizations:

The Marianas Esports League boasts an extensive regional reach, operational expertise, and a strong local player base in Guam and the Marianas Islands.
Latte Esports League contributes event organization expertise, streaming infrastructure, and digital engagement across broader online communities.

Together, they will:

Design and host multiple tournament brackets featuring popular esports games, ensuring that both console and PC gaming are represented.
Provide qualification pathways before Press Play Con so local talents can earn seeds or invites to the Gamers Royale main stage.
Offer robust online streaming and commentary, leveraging Latte Esports’s production resources to showcase matches live to global audiences.
Secure sponsorships and prizes through joint outreach, enabling competitors to reap greater rewards and visibility.
Foster community involvement with side‐events, meetups, and workshops to benefit both hardcore gamers and newcomers—e.g., coaching, mental resilience in gaming, skill-building sessions.

This partnership aims to enhance the competitive integrity and visibility of Gamers Royale, attract a broader audience, and provide more opportunities for gamers in the Marianas and beyond to shine.

Click on their logos to learn more about their league and tournaments for the event.

AVATAR ARENA (COSPLAY)

The main event of Press Play! Con is the cosplay contest. It has four categories: solo, couple/dynamic duo, fan favorite, and best overall, hosted by Ed Suarez. The convention hopes to attract international asian cosplayers as well. Cosplayers will perform a 1-minute catwalk and portrayal of their character, followed by a 15-second or 30-second "Lip Dub" Challenge, where they attempt to reenact a scene from a game or anime of their character by imitating their movement and lip-syncing. Not part of the contest, we have talent showcasing for cosplayers who want to perform (such as acting, singing, dancing, or any other talent that corresponds to their character), for a total of 1 minute and 30 seconds. Below are some photos of cosplayers and their costumes at the convention's opening debut in 2018.

Avatar Arena 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Winners

The Importance of Cosplaying and Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention

Cosplay is more than just dressing up as your favorite character — it’s a form of self-expression, creativity, and connection. For many people, cosplay becomes a powerful means of enhancing mental well-being and building a supportive community that can literally save lives.

1. Cosplay as Self-Expression and Healing

Many individuals who struggle with mental health challenges — such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem — find confidence through cosplay.
Becoming a character allows them to express sides of themselves they might hide in daily life. It can serve as a safe outlet for emotions, creativity, and self-discovery.
When someone puts on a costume, they’re not escaping reality — they’re embracing the strength and hope that character represents.

“When I cosplay, I feel brave — like I can be the hero I look up to.”

2. Building a Supportive Community

Cosplay events, conventions, and online fandoms bring together people with shared interests, creating a sense of belonging.
For those who often feel isolated, being part of this community offers acceptance, friendship, and understanding — all of which are essential for good mental health.

Through these connections, people are more likely to open up, seek help, or offer support to others going through difficult times.

3. Breaking Stigma Around Mental Health

When cosplayers and event communities speak openly about mental health, they help normalize conversations about depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention.
By integrating mental health awareness into fandom spaces, we send a clear message:

“It’s okay not to be okay — and you are not alone.”

4. “It’s Never Game Over” – A Message of Hope

This theme perfectly ties gaming and cosplay culture with the idea of resilience.
In games, when you lose a life, you restart, learn, and try again — just like in life.
Through this metaphor, cosplay and gaming communities can remind everyone that no matter how hard life gets, there’s always another chance — another level.

Every hero has fallen before they rise again.
Every player has hit ‘continue.’
It’s never game over.

5. Inspiring Others to Seek Help

By utilizing beloved characters, performances, and storytelling, cosplay events can convey mental health messages in a relatable manner.
Panels, campaigns, and themed events make it easier for people to absorb important information about resources, hotlines, and coping strategies — while still celebrating creativity and fun.

In summary:

Cosplay connects imagination with empathy, and community with compassion.
By merging it with mental health awareness and suicide prevention, we empower people to express, heal, and remind each other that:

You matter. You’re part of this story.
And no — it’s never game over.

About the Venue:

The Micronesia Mall has been the central hub for family and friends to enjoy leisure, entertainment, and food. For years, the mall has grown its popularity and became internationally known as a Guam landmark for tourists.

The event is divided into four areas (See Map):

CENTER COURT

Avatar Arena: Cosplay Contest/Performances/Trivia/Dancing

CONCOURSE 1

Round Table: TCG/Dungeons & Dragons/Chess/Workshops

CONCOURSE 2

Gamers Royale: Marianas eSports League/Latte eSports League/F1 Racing

Trial

CONCOURSE 3

Artisan Hall: Art Exhibit/Vendors