Is There a Psychology of Cosplay itstartswithadamDefine cosplay heart plainly. Costume play involves dressing up and pretending to be a specific character from a comic book. This trend has become a huge sensation among fans of nerd subculture around the world. People carefully design outfits and props in order to faithfully represent their favorite characters. Cosplayers often participate in gatherings or costume play events, where they can display their creativity and connect with like-minded individuals who share the same passion. Ultimately, costume play is an form of admiration and dedication for a fictional character and the love for the nerd community.