Videogame merch is 'diet cosplay' — fans want more fashion-forward pieces

In PC Gamer's Character Select column, Mollie Taylor argues videogame merch has become a form of "diet cosplay" and urges more clothing brands and game companies to make fashion-forward pieces. She recalls being struck by cosplayers at Final Fantasy 14's Fan Fest in 2023 and wanting a subtler way to show her fandom.

Taylor says she's shy and not handy with crafts—she's only cosplayed once at 17—and prefers wearing merch to display her interests. But she criticises much videogame merchandise as once dominated by low-quality Gildan t-shirts, including many official items, which she finds unfashionable despite liking some designs; she still owns a metalesque Hades tee from Final Fantasy 14 that she rarely wears.

She notes the scene is improving thanks to brand collaborations. Examples in the column include Minecraft's collaboration with Very Cool, a Steady Hands Sonic collection (Taylor is eyeing a Shadow the Hedgehog cardigan), and 2025 Sonic partnerships with Timberland and Puma. Insert Coin produced a Persona 5 Shujin Academy blazer, and ZA/UM has sold designer-priced pieces inspired by Disco Elysium — including an almost-$200 plastic carrier bag.

Taylor's plea is simple: make cooler, wearable merch so people who are too shy to cosplay can still display their love for games. She asks for dresses, jeans, sneakers and "jazzy tops" that aren't just t-shirts, saying she's older and more fashionable now but no less a fan.

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