A LAN party is where computer users play games with each other on a local area network. Participants bring their own computers and have to configure them on the network. LAN parties can be spontaneous or organized, with hundreds of players paying a fee to participate. They provide a way for gamers to meet and interact with others who share their interests.
A LAN party involves a group of computer users who play games with each other on a local area network or LAN. Groups of gamers of vastly different sizes can be found at LAN parties around the world, interacting with each other through their computers and interpersonally. While the concept is scoffed at by some non-gamers, a LAN party can be a highly entertaining activity for attendees, although a certain level of geekiness is required.
Several things distinguish a LAN party from other types of computer games. The first is that participants bring their own computers and have to configure them themselves on the network. The second is using a network, rather than communicating over the Internet. This means that the game runs much faster, as players are not sharing bandwidth with Internet traffic. Some Internet gamers struggle significantly with lag and are confused by in-game events due to the slowness of their connections. The third is the interpersonal reaction aspect that occurs, as a LAN party is an extremely festive event.
The most common type of LAN party is spontaneous, usually involving a relatively small number of players in a private home. A spontaneous gathering of people on computers tends to be small because large groups of players require significant logistics. The game can go on for hours or days, and with a small group, making sure everyone is fed and provided with spaces to bathe and sleep if desired is relatively easy. A spontaneous LAN party is usually held between friends or a gaming clan, a group of people who have organized and met through an online game.
An organized LAN party, on the other hand, can get pretty big. Record-breaking LAN parties were held around the world with hundreds of players in large rented venues. Typically, players pay a small fee to participate, making sure they have access to a dedicated power supply and central server. In addition, the organizers provide hospitality facilities and catered meals to the players.
To the casual observer, a LAN party can seem intensely nerdy. However, for gamers, a LAN party is a great way to get out of the house, meet people, and enjoy human interactions. Many members of the gaming community isolate themselves from the rest of society, which often has a hard time understanding them. At a LAN party, players can be with one another, ensuring that everyone has a mutual appreciation for the party and the attendees. Players can also initiate interactions with other participants, thanks to the clear area of mutual interest.
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