Game lovers, cosplayers and visitors joined Sydney University Anime Society for a Wuthering Waves game-themed event celebrating its first anniversary at The Refectory on June 1.
Chinese company Kuro Games released Wuthering Waves, an open-world action role-playing game with anime-style visuals, in 2024.
Sydney University Anime Society (SUAnime) organised the celebration event which offered gameplay trials, trivia contests, a themed art competition, a favourite character vote, a drawing area and a scavenger hunt, on campus.
Wuthering Waves (WUWA) Creator Hub provided advisory support and prizes for the event which opened at 10am and attracted 100 people, including SUAnime members, guests, seven invited cosplayers, external cosplayers and two photographers.
Gameplay Trials area at SUAnime’s WUWA event. Photo: Yang Zhou.
Participants tested combat mechanics and explored in-game features in the gameplay trial area. Some queued to play while others gathered around to watch and discuss. They also experienced unlimited first anniversary character in-game pulls and showed different reactions when they recognised the pulled characters on screen.
Cosplayers drew attention throughout the event, taking photos of other players and engaging them in conversations.
Uni student Yutong Shen, said she really enjoyed the event especially the interaction with cosplayers.
“Me and my friend just couldn’t stop taking pictures with them,” she said.
“It is my first time learning about WUWA and I am completely thrilled to see a community of gamers putting their shared passion together into such a wonderful event.”
An invited cosplayer, who preferred using his stage name TOKICOSU, dressed up as the game character Jiyan for the event.
“Today I cosplayed Jiyan. His confidence and leadership reflect values I hold as a cosplayer and individual. Bringing him to life at this event felt very empowering, having that personal connection with him as a character,” he said.
“A highlight for me was meeting the SUANI team and other guests. Their passion inspired me to give my all. That kind of love and community makes all the effort as a cosplayer worthwhile.”
Some cosplayers at SUAnime’s WUWA event. Photo: Brynel Santos.
The trivia contest tested player’s knowledge of the game.They challenged both multiple-choice and short-answer questions, and winners received WUWA merchandise.
The drawing tables filled with coloured pencils and paper. Participants sat at the drawing area to create sketches, ranging from WUWA art to their original works.
SUAnime displayed artwork submissions for the “Rinascita” game-themed art competition. Participants voted for their favourite artworks, and SUAnime team announced the top three artworks the following day.
Near the art competition board, participants voted on their favourite WUWA characters. Some debated rankings aloud, comparing characters based on their gameplay and storyline.
Drawing area at SUAnime’s WUWA event. Photo: Yang Zhou.
Kevin Chang, president of SUAnime, supervised the event throughout the day.
“We spent about 3 months planning the event,” he said.
“I’m really thankful for the involved cosplayers and photographers in giving their advice and suggestions. Felt great seeing people enjoy themselves and having both my working team and members come by.
“I just think they bring some extra fun, another yet hopefully unique way to indulge in our hobbies.”
Group Photo at the end of the SUAnime’s WUWA event. Photo: Brynel Santos.
The event finished at 4pm, filled with sounds of cheers and laughter. A group photo captured the shared enthusiasm for anime and gaming culture.
