Swathes of superheroes set for DeeCon

Published On Thu 15 Mar 2018 by Dominic Younger

One of the country’s largest animation, gaming and cosplay conventions will take place at the University of Dundee next month as thousands of fans gather for the city’s biggest geek-off.

Anime characters, stormtroopers, supervillains and video game stars will bring a splash of colour to campus when DeeCon 2018 takes place on Saturday 7 April.

This year’s event will feature talks by industry professionals and gamers, a dedicated video gaming hub with virtual reality tournaments, and a Kids Cosplay masquerade with prizes for under 12 year-olds in their homemade cosplay costume.

One of the members of the organising committee is student artist Sharkie, she said, “We are extremely excited to be hosting DeeCon 2018. A lot of people missed out on some of the bigger events like Rai Con and Dunfermline Comic-Con because of the Beast from the East this year so we would urge them to come to Dundee as it’s the perfect place to come geek out.”

Major Scottish gamers such as Marleythirteen and Batchy, as well as Sam Rowan, the concept sculptor who has worked on titles such as ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’, and ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’, and Nikki Christie, the CG artist who has worked on ‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ and ‘Halo 5’, will head to the city of Discovery for the day’s event.

“A significant amount of DeeCon 2018 is dedicated to high-fantasy and gaming this year, with a gaming hub and an entire level dedicated to Dungeons & Dragons,” added Sharkie.

“We still have the usual cosplay masquerades, film screenings, and exhibitions, speed-pitching and artists’ valley, as well as special guest John Ferguson, of Saltire Comics, who will be launching his latest comic ‘Mean City’ right here on the day.”

DeeCon is organised by animation students at the University’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

It is a fundraising event with proceeds spilt between the animation degree show in May and nationwide charity SpecialEffect, which helps people with physical disabilities to play video games.

DeeCon 2018 will take place across Dundee University’s Students’ Association (DUSA), the University Chaplaincy Centre and Queen Mother Building from 11:30am on Saturday 7 April until 03:00am on Sunday 8 April.

The day’s fun will be rounded off with gaming karaoke, DJs and Mario Kart at the after party. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

More information about DeeCon 2018 and tickets can be found at http://uod.ac.uk/2GuYmBt

For media enquiries contact:
Dominic Glasgow
Media Relations Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 385131
Email: d.w.glasgow@dundee.ac.uk