LAN gaming is a very important part of competitive gaming (eSports) world wide, while many leagues are held online, finals and international tournaments are hosted at LAN with great turnouts and spectacular spectatorship. Here’s a look at how to get into it in South Africa.
LAN gaming is the perfect entry into competing casually as well as the portal to “Progamer” status. The only sad thing about it is that there really isn’t enough advertising or coverage of such events in our country. It’s really easy for the casual gamer to get into and one of the best experiences for highly competitive gamers. Through the MSSA and its Provincial and National Championships, LANs also serve as a way to earn Provincial colours as well as a way to compete at top levels internationally, representing our country and possibly kicking off a career as a progamer.
Each year we have the NAG LAN held at rAge, where there are tournament finals held as well as an open LAN. Do Gaming has also held their grand finals at this venue for a couple of years.
What is a LAN and what do I need to LAN?
LANs are social gatherings for gamers, whether it’s with computers or consoles between which a local area network is established. The primary purpose of this is playing multiplayer games and more often than not sharing content. There are often LAN parties held internationally, the world record is currently held by the organisers of DreamHack in Sweden with 12, 754 connected systems. Many PC LANs are held over a weekend, where gamers often sleep over.
If you’re a PC gamer, you’ll typically need to take your PC with you to the venue as well as your peripherals (keyboard, mouse, headset, external drives, memory sticks, etc.). You’ll also need to have the game installed that you have chosen to play. (Goes without saying :P) Console gamers typically need not bring their own console to the LAN; organisers often specify what is needed and what not. Most LANs require a small entry fee, depending on what’s going to be offered.
Local LANs
There are a number of local LANs for casual competing with awesome prizes and competitions, whether it’s competing in games or having a themed dress code. I’ve chosen three LANs to look at, which offer great fun for all types of gamers.
Organised Chaos
Organised Chaos is the biggest monthly LAN party in the country, hosting competitions for games such as Dota, Call of Duty, StarCraft, Borderlands 2, Torchlight 2 and lots more. They also host fun cosplay competitions. The next event will be held on 25 – 27 January.
Location: 6 Crinum Road, Table View, Cape Town
Contact: 087 751 0505
MainGaming
If you like yourself some footie, MainGaming is the place to be. Hosting events all over South Africa this is the perfect LAN to attend if you’re a beginner or a pro. They give away amazing prizes such as an all expenses paid VIP trip to watch the final of the UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE in London this May. Many of their events are held in Johannesburg, they host some online leagues and qualifiers too. Their focus is around FIFA on console, this year, FIFA 13.
In 2012 MainGaming gave away a cash prize of R25 000 and a 32” Samsung HD TV to the winner of their FIFA 12 grand final.
Contact: support@maingaming.co.za
DAZLAN
DAZLAN is a monthly LAN party hosted in Centurion, Gauteng for PC gamers. They offer competitions for Call of Duty 4, Dota as well as Counter-Strike. This is one of the smaller LANs hosted, though there are prizes are up for grabs. Their next event will be held on the weekend of 1 February with a Call of Duty 4 ompetition, as well as Dota and Trackmania.
Location: 290 Friederiche Str (corner of Friederiche & Koedoe Str), WierdaPark, Centurion
It’s always fun to take the weekend and enjoy a LAN with friends, whether it’s a big event like organised Chaos or a smaller event like DAZLAN, if there are any other organisers who’d like us to know about their events, just let me know at Yolanda@lazygamer.net.
Last Updated: January 8, 2013