Back in the day, people would gather to play networked games and “Geek Out.” This might also resemble some offices in the early days.
It reminds me of “the old days.” Plenty of soda for caffeine, pizza, or a stack of double cheeseburgers. Command and Conquer, Diablo, and more. Comment below if you have ever played a LAN game in a collective like this.
“I guess I am thinking a lot about the early 2000s lately, like many people, I think, in their 30s.”
That’s one of the first things writer, game designer, and podcaster Merritt K said in early November. At this moment, everything about gaming, and being online generally, was fundamentally easier than it was at the turn of the century. You can now play intensive triple-A games on a cheap phone with a cloud gaming subscription and a decent wireless connection. You can set up a chat room, build an online presence, and even instant publish videos for free. Performance-minded and customizable PC gaming hardware is just a few clicks and days away from showing up at your door.
And yet we’re both hopelessly nostalgic for something else entirely: LAN parties. Merritt K is so much so that she’s writing, compiling, and crowdfunding a book: LAN Party. It’s a collection of original amateur photos—many upscaled through AI—and short essays on a period when multiplayer gaming meant desktop towers, energy drinks, and being physically present in some awkward spaces. It’s been in the works for over a year, but she’s been thinking about it much longer.
“Some reasons for that are just nostalgia, like, ‘Remember when you were a teen, listening to emo music, going to LAN parties and stuff.’ But there is another aspect of it, where the Internet that I think a lot of, like, Gen X, elder millennial, or mid-millennial-aged people grew up with, is falling apart,” Merritt K said. “We’ve felt like this thing that was so important to me, Internet culture and being online and tech and all this stuff—it was so hard to be growing up, and it gave me a way to talk to people and make connections.
“And now it’s like the opposite of that. Real life is where you can have meaningful interactions with people, and online is where you have to present this brand, this manicured identity. One thing that appeals to people about LAN parties is that they’re emblematic of this era of tech when things were a little rougher around the edges.”
LAN parties are an exciting opportunity for gamers to come together, play their favorite games and socialize with other like-minded people. They provide gamers a fun, safe space to connect, make new friends, and share their passion. However, for a first-timer, a LAN party can be a daunting experience, particularly if you don’t know any other gamers attending.
There is a selection of unspoken rules when attending a LAN event, which first-timers may be unfamiliar with. To prevent embarrassing mistakes and enjoy the best possible experience, follow these top 10 dos and don’ts at your next LAN party.
1. DO — Meet new people
Everyone that attends a LAN party or event has a passion for gaming. That means you’re in a room full of people like you. Chat and socialize with other gamers – you never know, you may leave having made friends for life!
2. DON’T — Excessively scream and shout
Yes, being killed in a game isn’t a fun experience but don’t be that person who takes it badly. A temper tantrum and yelling at other gamers won’t win you any new friends and will likely put people off playing with you. There’s nothing wrong with the occasional scream or shout of excitement, but the key is not acting like that the whole time. If you lose, keep your head and move on — no one likes a sore loser.
3. DO — Bring extra cords
Not bringing enough cords, or the right ones, is rookie error 101 and mean you won’t be able to participate. Bring extra ethernet cables, power strips, extension cords, and any other cables your PC may need. You may not use all of them, but somebody always forgets a cord, so having a few spares lying around is always good.
4. DON’T — Mess with another gamer’s PC
Some pranksters think it’s funny to go around and play with other people’s PCs while they are away. It’s not. LAN parties are a fun, safe space for like-minded people to do what they love. Don’t ruin someone else’s experience by messing their kit up; it won’t win you any favors.
5. DO — Bring snacks
You will likely be gaming for several hours and even overnight. Depending on where the LAN is being held, there may not be any shops to pop out to at 1 am, so ensure you have enough food and drink to get you through the party. Pack wisely to avoid a sugar crash!
6. DON’T — Leave a mess
There’s nothing worse than gaming amongst someone else’s rubbish. Clean up after yourself and ensure that your area is tidy. No one wants to sit for hours on end in a place that smells.
7. DO — Set an example
The great thing about LAN parties is that they’re inclusive. Entire families come along, friends, small children etc. – everyone can join in the fun. As such, it’s essential to set an example for younger participants. They look to you as an adult, so set an example and help them if needed.
8. DON’T — Use speakers
There’s nothing worse than someone playing music out of speakers and disturbing other gamers. Even if you’re used to gaming with speakers, be respectful of other players and bring headphones. If you must get speakers, plug your headphones into them to avoid annoying everyone else.
9. DO — Have fun
LANs are about spending time with fellow gamers and making new friends; the winning part is less important. So, try not to get too immersed in the game and have fun! Many LAN parties have board games and competitions for the best rig build, and I even saw a massive game of tug of war once.
10. DON’T — Come unprepared
Before you arrive, ensure you’ve downloaded all the games you intend to play and install any PC updates. This will help you get started faster, and people will thank you.
So, don’t be nervous if you’re attending a LAN event for the first time. They’re a great place to have fun, make new friends, and, most importantly, play games. If you follow these top 10 dos and don’ts, you’ll quickly get through any LAN party.
