This past weekend at Sakura Con in Seattle, I found myself channeling the imposing presence of Gendo Ikari, complete with tinted glasses and his iconic folded-hands pose. What started as simply attending an anime convention in costume evolved into a deeper reflection on how we choose to represent ourselves across different spaces.
As immersive technology continues to evolve, I’ve noticed fascinating parallels between cosplay culture and digital avatar creation. Both serve as vehicles for identity expression, with some opting for representations that closely mirror their physical appearance while others embrace radical transformations.
At the “Species Between Worlds” conference in 2022, I was fortunate to attend a presentation by Kathleen Cohen and Amy Jupiter that explored this very spectrum of digital identity. Their discussion highlighted the multitude of terms we use to describe virtual representations—from “digital humans” and “digital doubles” to “virtual humans” and “interactive humans.” Each term carries subtle distinctions that reflect our evolving relationship with digital embodiment.
The current landscape of digital identity shows fascinating divergence in approach. Meta has embraced more stylized, cartoonish avatars reminiscent of Nintendo’s Mii characters. Meanwhile, Apple’s Vision Pro is developing photorealistic digital twins, and Google’s Project Starline pursues high-fidelity telepresence. These corporate strategies mirror what I observed at Sakura Con—some attendees (like me) made minimal modifications to their appearance, while others transformed completely with elaborate wigs, makeup, and even inflatable costumes.
What’s most striking is that regardless of technological advancements, humans consistently demonstrate a desire for varied expression options. The cosplay community has long understood what tech companies are only beginning to grasp: identity is fluid, contextual, and deeply personal.
For those of us designing immersive experiences, cosplay culture offers invaluable insights. How might we create avatar systems that accommodate both accurate representation and fantastical transformation? How can we honor the joy that comes from trying on different identities while respecting privacy and authenticity?
As I reflect on my notes from John Mack’s Pokémon GO-inspired exhibit at the “Species Between Worlds” conference, I’m struck by how quickly we’ve progressed from location-based mobile gaming to full XR experiences. Yet the fundamental human desire to play with identity remains constant, whether we’re donning a physical costume or selecting a digital avatar.
The bridge between physical cosplay and digital avatars represents not just a technological frontier but a deeply human one—where our expressions of self continue to evolve across every new medium we create.