The LAN Party: A User’s Manual
Creating a decent LAN party is easy as pie. All it takes is a few friends, a switch, a few cables and ‘X’ number of computers (for said friends). Hook ‘em up and you’re ready to go… Well… Not quite. Before getting into the action it is a good idea to establish a few rules first. This manual will give examples of how you can make your own LAN party work more efficiently.
Pre-LAN scheduling:
The only thing you should be aware of before a LAN party, is to make sure you know when to stop. Someone probably wants you out of their house at some point, so make sure to get a deadline by when you have to be gone. Also make sure to tell everyone about what your plans are for food, if you have any special requirements that is.
Internet: ‘Teh intarwebz’ can be a real LAN killer, so I suggest that you turn it off unless you’ve got a really good point to stay online. If you leave it on, there’s a good chance people will surfe the webs instead of joining in on the gaming.
MMO gaming: MMO’s are a no go, unless everyone’s in on the fun. Don’t leave anyone out if you have to play MMO’s. If you do, then the party will be split up into 2 groups of gamers, playing different games, which is probably going to annoy someone at some point.
Be polite/open to suggestions: When looking for a game to play be open to new games or games that you might be a bit tired of. You’ve got plenty of time to get around to the games that you want to play. If there is a problem, let a vote decide it. Nothing is worse than folks yelling at one other when gaming, if something happens, try to let it slide and laugh it off. Everyone can make a wrong turn at any time, but at a LAN it can be a bit different, which brings us to the next topic.
Sleeping: Remember to get some sleep. Gaming all night can be fun and all, if your used to it that is. However, some people might get cranky if they don’t get their sleep and you might have to sit around with them for another day or two. So even if you’re not a sleeper, make sure the others have a quiet place to sleep; or try to game in silence if you need your fix. Headphones are a good solution for this that would allow you to game as well as be considerate to your colleagues. Another possible thing to do would be to agree to sleep from, for example, 1AM to at least 7AM.
Bathe: No one likes to sit next to a smelly gamer. This should seem simple enough.
The game: You’re still playing. The game does not automatically pause when your at a LAN event… Oh… And you just lost it.
Food/Drink/Snacks: This part’s easy. If you’re going out to get snacks, pizza or a coke then remember to ask around and check if anyone else wants to come with you. Less reason for inter-person bitching at your LAN.
Technical Issues: If anyone’s experiencing network errors or connection problems then try to work together and find a solution to the problem so that you don’t end up with everyone but one guy gaming.
Distractions: This could also be called television, movies and just chilling out. Basically try not to distract anyone else who is gaming if possible. I’ve got a story, relevant to this. Okay, so imagine a 100-person LAN with a tournament in some random game. In the finals some of the players who dropped out in earlier rounds decide to put a porn movie on the projector for everyone to see. This would piss some folks off, offend others and/or distract everyone. Just try not to to be an inconsiderate asshole and you should be fine. (The story is true though. Someone once displayed a porn movie on a wall in front of one of the teams and the offenders were sent home straight away, plus the match had to be re-done by request of the distracted team).
Consoles: Consoles are fun, but if you have to bring one to a LAN, remember to bring multiplayer games along with it. It’s nice to take a break with a console, but try not to stay away from the others for too long, or you might miss out on the LAN. You can always play consoles at home.
Post-LAN reminders:
Be polite and help the host clean up the mess even though you may feel tired, cranky and might need a bath soon. Remember, he might feel the same way.
Pass these guidelines around before your LAN and you’ll be fine.
Ladies and gentlemen, start your fraggin’!
