What is Press Play Con 2026, "It's Never Game Over: A Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention Initiative?"

     Press Play Con 2026 is Guam’s community-driven celebration of anime, gaming, cosplay, and pop culture, while promoting an important message of mental health awareness and suicide prevention among our youth and community. Centered around this year’s theme, “It’s Never Game Over,” the convention reminds participants that difficult moments are not the end of their story. Just like in a game, there can always be another level, another quest, another opportunity, and another person willing to help.

 

     Get ready for an action-packed lineup featuring exciting cosplay contests, competitive gaming tournaments, interactive displays, art exhibits, live performances, hands-on workshops, and opportunities for fans to connect. This year, Press Play Con will introduce new components including PC Gaming hosted by Radical PC, live art contest, Press Play High School Challenge, and a TCG component, giving attendees even more ways to play, compete, create, and connect.

 

     Beyond the entertainment, Press Play Con 2026 will feature activities designed to encourage positive connections, conversations, and awareness surrounding mental health and suicide prevention. Through interactive booths, student participation, community partners, and our Save Point, attendees will have opportunities to share positivity, learn about available resources, and remind one another that no one has to face their struggles alone.

 

     Led by MAD Studio Productions and 3 Blind Mice Productions, Press Play Con 2026 continues to grow as a community event for Guam’s next generation of creators, gamers, artists, cosplayers, and fans. It’s more than just a convention—it’s a place to build friendships, express yourself, discover your passions, support one another, and remind our community that when life gets difficult, it’s never game over.

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What are Our Goals?

• Build Respect & Inclusivity: Connect young fans, gamers, and creators in a positive space where everyone is welcomed, valued, and respected.

• Level Up Local Talent: Give rising cosplayers, digital artists, competitive gamers, and performers the spotlight to show off their skills and reach new audiences.

• Inspire Next-Gen Creativity: Encourage youth to explore modern creative outlets—from digital art and costume design to esports and content creation.

• Unite the Community: Create a safe, high-energy space where friends, families, and youth groups can hang out, compete, and celebrate together.

• Launch New Opportunities: Open pathways for young creatives to network, collaborate, and kickstart future careers in the creative industry.​​​​

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How Does It Benefit Guam?

• Youth & Community: Gives the younger generation a safe, positive outlet to connect, showcase their passions, and practice sportsmanship and respect.

• Family: Offers a fun, welcoming space where parents and kids can bond over gaming, creative costumes, art, and entertainment.

• Local Economy: Drives excitement, foot traffic, and support for local vendors, sponsors, small businesses, and youth creators.

• Creative Growth: Inspires local youth to dive into modern creative fields like graphic design, streaming, event production, and game design.

• Regional Spotlight: Puts Guam on the map as an up-and-coming hub for youth culture, gaming, and pop culture events across the Pacific.