The East European Comic Con board has opted to restrict all military-themed cosplays in 2026, putting a lock on everything from Escape from Tarkov and Battlefield to Call of Duty and STALKER. The event, which is held twice a year in Bucharest and draws tens of thousands of visitors, has put in place strict rules for cosplayers for next weekend’s show.
Military outfits join the ranks of extremist uniforms, outfits associated with hate speech, anything vulgar, and anything with ‘sensitive affiliations’. In recent days, those planning to wear such outfits at EECC have taken to social media to voice their disappointment.
Military Cosplays Banned at EECC
Next week’s East European Comic Con will see few military cosplays make it through the doors of the Romexpo site in Bucharest. The cosplayers attending have been scoping out the rules and have learned that almost anything related to military and law enforcement has been banned.
Only ‘stylized’ versions of military cosplays will be permitted next weekend on the show floor.
That means that you can’t wear a complete tactical outfit from Call of Duty, but you can wear a ‘kawaii’ or ‘casual’ Ghost outfit, incorporating a hoodie and classic Ghost mask. It means you can’t adopt a full STALKER outfit, but you can stylize it, as long as you remove flags, tactical vests, service caps, and camouflage clothing.
That extends to SWAT uniforms, replica outfits from past World Wars, and anything tied to either the USMC, US Army, or Russian special forces.
If you want to dress up as a Spartan from Halo, go nuts. If you want to cosplay a post-apocalyptic wasteland wanderer from Fallout, feel free. You’re just not allowed real military uniforms, tactical gear, or ‘hard’ replica weapons.
At similar events, like Gamescom, restrictions apply but are often more lenient. For example, as long as you’re not wearing a World War I or World War II uniform in Cologne, you’re good to go.
Do you think the EECC is being too tough on cosplayers? Let us know your thoughts on the Insider Gaming Discord server.
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Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
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