Definition
A local area network (LAN) party is when users gather in a common physical space and share a network to play games. These games became popular in the 1990s when the internet was expensive and not widespread. Parties can vary in size from a few friends to a big event with hundreds of people.
How LAN Parties Work
- LAN parties involve friends bringing their computers or consoles together.
- Devices connect to the same local network, either wired or wirelessly.
- Participants engage in multiplayer gaming or other online activities like watching movies.
Biggest LAN Parties
- DreamHack: Originated in Sweden in 1994, now a global gaming festival held multiple times yearly.
- The Gathering (TG): Established in Norway in 1992, the party lasts five days with over 5,000 attendees annually.