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What do you want out of a LAN Party

Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 3:04 pm
by Digger[NJLP]
Since 01/01/07, I've been watching the LANs come and go, yes I haven’t been to many in the past year, none in fact, but I'm trying to change my weekend commitments to attend a few. With the broad range of gamers we play with, including some of the new guys who are console gamers. I'm curious to know what people want from a LAN party.

Most LAN/Game events are either more of a swap meet where you hang out talk, play games, etc. Or a structured event with a tournament schedule for games throughout the course of the party.

So include what you prefer like the number of people involved (what’s to big to you and/or to small), what types of venues you like(garage basement, small hall, big hall, commercial gaming center etc.), should their be an age "requirement, and above all the price.

No I'm not looking for marketing info I'm just interested in what our preferences are.
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My opinion.

As a participant the number of people at a party has a relationship with the efficiency of the crew running the event. I've been to larger LAN parties where things were run really well and others that were the biggest waste of time. If I would have to pick a number I would say a 32 man LAN is my preferred number.

As a LAN party host, the larger the numbers are, the bigger the logistical nightmares are. I'm just not willing to stress over stuff without getting paid. (I get paid to stress out at work not at weekend fun)
So if I were to run or work on a “LARGE” LAN party, I would require the right staff of people to get the job done.

Location is always an issue for me. If its not easily accessible then there's no reason to go. I can't see going to a LAN party that takes me 2 or 3 hours to get to. Now if it was a "EVENT" like Quake Con /CPL Nationals then that changes things. But for local events it should be near a major highway for easy access.

I really miss the old days of trying to squeeze in to Murdock’s basement. I don’t want to go back their but I would love to play somewhere with lounge stuff. I hate playing for 2 or 3 hours and then standing up to stretch with only the same folding chairs for altenate seating..

I've already seen some issues with bringing in younger players. In my opinion I think 15 and above with parental consent until 18 years old. If someone under 15 wanted to attend they would need a parent or guardian to be there.

Price.. Always an issue. If I knew that the LAN party was a well run structured event that had a lot of fun to offer, I would pay as much as 50 bucks for a two day event.

Ok so whats your input?

Posted: Tue May 01, 2007 10:38 pm
by coold8
Number of people Involved: no more than 40 for a small lan, 100 man for a medium and 512 for a large. I prefer smaller LANs, but a large LAN is nice every once in a while.
Age Requirement is the most retarded thing I have ever heard. All an age limit expresses is how big of a loser people can be, as you are banning kids and teenagers from playing video games. Does that kind of go against the basic principle of video games? Seriously, how much of a loser do you have to be to not want to be near kids while playing video games? If you can't handle being near kids while playing video games, you really need to get outside the house more, or just quit playing video games all together, because you seriously need to grow up (no names intended or mentioned, no sarcasm as there are many people who believe this). The liability excuse does not apply because the entire LAN is a liability. What if someone trips over their own mouse cable at your LAN, falls down and breaks their arm? 18 or not, they can still sue your ass back to West Virginia.

Price: $25 for 24 hours, $35 for 48 hours, maybe I will spring for $40. Anything more is just too high for one weekend. Free is good but not at the sacrifice of the overall LAN experience.

Posted: Mon May 07, 2007 12:06 am
by Murdock
Ok guys...I split this into two topics. I think the original idea of the post was getting lost in the minor thing. If you would like to continue that discussion comment on the other thread.

Be sure to post your thoughts in this one first...