Models at Shanghai's annual digital entertainment expo ChinaJoy 2015, Aug. 2. (Photo/Chinanews.com)
Like many other large exhibitions across China this year, Shanghai's annual digital entertainment expo ChinaJoy 2015 has banned scantily-clad models. All this is in an attempt to keep things appropriate. There are still plenty of models at the event, but their costumes and job descriptions have changed from last year.
Game fan Ni Zhongjie was happy to find his favorite model Liang Huiwen was at the expo. He is familiar with her work at other gaming events and reads her blog. But at this year's expo she is wearing more clothes and teaching players about the new games.
"I think it's good for the showgirl to teach me how to play the game. That's very impressive," Ni said.
"We teach players the new functions of games. That's not difficult as many have played old versions. I like being here as I can communicate with many people," Liang Huiwen, Chinajoy 2015 model, said.
Many visitors say they are happy with the change, as companies have to find more interesting ways to attract attention.
"I found that there are more varieties of stage performances this year. Many invited visitors to participate and interact. I came to the expo to mainly see new games," Visitor Dai Wei said.
Game developers say the models still draw a crowd as they are dressed like characters from popular games. And exhibitors say they are finding new ways to use the models.
"We invited more foreign models this year as they have better presentations on stage," Lin Xue with Beijing Chukong Technology said.
"This year, we give more tutoring to the showgirls than before, in terms of games' idea, playing instructions and how to perform in events at the fair," Cai Jun with Kunlun.Com said.
Many game makers say the best way to attract players is to offer a good product.The dress codes for models at the ChinaJoy 2015 came after criticism of scantily-clad models at previous exhibitions. Earlier this year, the Shanghai Auto Show had a similar ban.
