CODE OF CONDUCT

QUAKECON TICKETING

QuakeCon tickets are non-transferable and are non-refundable. Each BYOC ticket is valid for one (1) person and one (1) computer/console at QuakeCon. With each ticket, you receive a table space and a chair, plus admission to QuakeCon.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO

While attending QuakeCon, you will be entering into areas where you may be filmed, photographed, or recorded by Bethesda or others.

ATTENDEE AGE RESTRICTION

QuakeCon attendees must be at least 18 years of age or, if the attendee is not 18 years of age (a “Minor”), a parent or guardian will accompany the Minor at all times during QuakeCon. Through participation in QuakeCon events, attendees will play or be involved with M‐Rated, or Mature‐Rated, computer software games (with the M‐Rating designating an industry rating of suggested play for individuals 17 years or older) (the “QuakeCon Games”). Additionally, other attendees may bring individually-owned computers to QuakeCon, and may display objectionable content thereon, including content deemed not suitable for minors.

ACCESSIBILITY

Bethesda is devoted to providing the best possible experience for all our QuakeCon attendees. We’ll make every effort to fill all requests for accommodations. Please email your accommodation request to [email protected]. We will respond to your email within 72 hours.

QUAKECON CODE OF CONDUCT

QuakeCon® (“QuakeCon”) is an event open to attendees of all ages, and we prioritize the safety and well-being of all guests. To ensure that everyone has a good and safe time, QuakeCon will feature many security measures and this updated Code of Conduct. All QuakeCon attendees must review and agree to this Code of Conduct prior to entering QuakeCon.

If you witness or experience any activity that puts someone's safety or enjoyment of the show at risk, inform a security guard or QuakeCon staff member, who will be wearing a "QuakeCon Staff" t-shirt. We have procedures in place to handle these kinds of situations, and we can take the appropriate action from there.

If you have questions about, or to report a violation of, the Code of Conduct, please contact [email protected] or visit the Security Desk in the Longhorn Foyer.

ANTI-HARRASSMENT POLICY

Bethesda Softworks LLC (“Bethesda”) is dedicated to providing a QuakeCon conference free of harassment and intimidation based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited at QuakeCon.

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

  • Offensive verbal comments related to gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, nationality, age, or religion;
  • Written or graphic material denigrating an individual or group;
  • Repeated abuse of another – bullying;
  • Sexual images in public spaces;
  • Threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts, including stalking or following;
  • Harassing photography or recording;
  • Sustained disruption of talks or other events;
  • Inappropriate physical contact;
  • Unwelcome sexual attention; and/or
  • Advocating for, or encouraging, harassing behaviors.

SECURITY, WEAPONS AND SCREENING POLICY

For the safety of attendees, security measures at QuakeCon will include the use of metal/weapon detectors, hand wands, canine security and detection, and bag checks prior to entry into the QuakeCon event areas (the “Event Areas”) at all times during QuakeCon. The security screening will conduct a visual inspection, bag search, PC inspection, and you will be required to pass through a metal/weapons detector. Uniformed security and uniformed police will be present at all times throughout QuakeCon to assist and protect attendees.

QuakeCon is a private event, and, in accordance with local and federal law, attendees are prohibited from bringing weapons of any kind into the Event Areas. Bethesda reserves the right to require any attendees with weapons to immediately leave the Event Areas.

You must wear your QuakeCon badge at all times in the Event Areas. Badges must be worn by exhibitors, vendors, attendees, guests, professionals, press, media, staff, and volunteers.

If you see something, say something. Report anything that looks unusual, suspicious, or out of place to QuakeCon staff, security, or police immediately.

If you have questions about the Security, Weapons and Screening Policy, please contact [email protected].

COSTUME/COSPLAY POLICY

QuakeCon welcomes and celebrates cosplay as an exciting way to showcase creativity and passion for gaming and pop culture. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, please review the following Costume/Cosplay Policy before registering. Additionally, all cosplayers are required to register their costume as part of the event’s cosplay registration process. Cosplay Registration Form: https://forms.office.com/r/KivAjZFmtt. By registering, participants acknowledge that they have reviewed this Policy and agree to adhere to all the rules and regulations outlined.

General Rules:

  • All cosplayers must register prior to the event and check in at the designated cosplay registration area.
  • Shoes are required at all times within the event space.
  • Costume should not be offensive or violate QuakeCon’s Code of Conduct may be prohibited at staff discretion.
  • Cosplayers are responsible for their own mobility and safety, mindful of large props, wings, or extended costumes that may obstruct walkways.
  • Cosplayers may be asked to remove face coverings (including masks or helmets) at any time for security purposes.

Cosplay Guidelines:

  • Costumes must be secure and not pose a hazard to the wearer or other attendees.
  • No functional or powered mobility elements (e.g., motorized rollerblades, hoverboards) unless used for accessibility.
  • Costumes that include LEDs, sound, or moving parts must be self-powered and cannot require external electrical connections.
  • No realistic military, law enforcement, or first responder uniforms unless they are clearly identifiable as fictional characters.
  • Lasers and strong strobe lights are not allowed due to potential health risks to attendees.
  • Fog machines, dry ice, or any effect that produces smoke, fire, or chemicals are strictly prohibited.

Prop and Weapon Policy

  • No functional props or weapons are allowed at QuakeCon, regardless of whether they are functioning, de-commissioned, or replica. No swords, knives, spears, or similar weapons, sharps, or piercing items will be permitted, even if they’ve been covered or modified.
    • Bladed weapons such as swords, knives, spears, or any sharp or piercing items are strictly prohibited, even if they are covered, dulled, or modified.
    • Prop firearms must be completely inoperable and unable to fire any type of projectile, including BBs, pellets, airsoft rounds, foam darts, or other replica ammunition.
    • The barrel of all prop firearms must be covered with a brightly colored cap for clear identification.
    • No weapons with hard or metal blades will be permitted under any circumstances.
    • Simulated or costume weapons are allowed as a part of your costume, subject to prior approval by event and security staff and compliance with these rules. QuakeCon Security has the final say in any/all decisions on what props or weapons are permitted at QuakeCon.
  • You may never use any prop or weapon to strike, swing at, or threaten other attendees. Be safe and have fun.
  • All costume props must be inspected at the Security Desk located in the Longhorn Foyer.
  • After your costume prop has been checked, it will be tagged by security. Please do not remove the security tag until QuakeCon is complete.
  • If you do not want to have your costume props inspected or tagged, or if you are not willing to comply with these policies, please do not bring your costume props to QuakeCon.

Cosplay Compliance and Enforcement

  • All attendees must comply with these guidelines and QuakeCon’s Code of Conduct.
  • Event staff reserve the right to make final decisions on costume or prop compliance.
  • QuakeCon staff reserves the right to request modifications to any costume that is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or inappropriate.
  • If a costume is found to be non-compliant, the cosplayer will be asked to change or adjust their attire before being allowed to participate.
  • Cosplayers must comply with any additional event security screenings when entering the venue.
  • Failure to follow these rules may result in removal from the event without refund.

If you have questions about your Cosplay props, please email [email protected].

CLEANLINESS & HYGIENE

QuakeCon is a shared space where thousands of attendees come together to celebrate gaming. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone, we ask that all attendees adhere to the following hygiene and cleanliness expectations:

  • Personal Hygiene: Please practice good hygiene by showering regularly, using deodorant, and wearing clean clothing each day.
  • Food & Drinks: Avoid leaving food or drinks unattended or in areas where they could create spills, odors, or attract pests. Dispose of trash in designated receptacles.
  • Shared Spaces: Whether you are in the BYOC area, panels, or general event spaces, please keep your area tidy. Avoid excessive clutter and clean up after yourself.

ILLEGAL DRUGS POLICY

Illegal substances are not allowed at QuakeCon. Any attendee who is caught buying, using, or dealing illegal drugs while at QuakeCon will be immediately reported to security and/or local law enforcement in accordance with all state and local laws, and the attendee will be subject to expulsion from QuakeCon.

OTHER PROHIBITED ITEMS

Firearms, or other weapons, ammunition, self-defense sprays (e.g., mace or pepper spray), laser pointers or any other item which may be used to create a visual distraction, fireworks, explosives, or any flammable liquid are not permitted within the event area. Any attendee found to have violated the prohibited items list may be removed from QuakeCon at the discretion of the event staff.

The following items may not be brought into the QuakeCon event area:

  • Aerosol cans (e.g., mace, pepper spray, hairspray, etc.)
  • Air horns
  • Animals (service animal exception)
  • Binoculars
  • Coolers with loose ice (ice packs ONLY)
  • Cycles
  • Fireworks
  • Glass
  • Illegal drugs
  • Large bags (duffle bags, suitcases, etc.)
  • Laser pointers
  • Megaphones/Noise amplifiers Noisemakers/horns
  • Recreational equipment (Skates, Skateboards, etc.)
  • Smoke bombs
  • Unauthorized solicitation, handbills, giveaways, or sampling
  • Weapons of any kind

ANTI-THEFT POLICY

Theft of any and all kinds is strictly prohibited at QuakeCon. Any attendee who is caught stealing may have his or her QuakeCon badge revoked, be expelled from future QuakeCon events, and be reported to security and/or local law enforcement.

ANTI-CHEATING POLICY

Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated at QuakeCon. All attendees must follow all rules and regulations when engaging in both friendly and competitive gameplay.

CODE OF CONDUCT VIOLATIONS

In Bethesda’s sole discretion, if an attendee violates any of the policies or rules in this Code of Conduct, they may be removed from QuakeCon, have their badge revoked, be permanently expelled from QuakeCon and all associated events, and/or reported to show security or local law enforcement.