I am always interested in computer gaming events - the coverages are wide and the enthusiasm are high.

The knol on game events, written by Herman Ronk, explain the in-depth look on computer game events, called lanparties.

According to Herman Ronk:

lanparty is “A (large) group of gamers gathering in one location socializing and playing computer games on a high speed computer network.”

Although often associated to geek and nerds, lanparties today are more accessible to a broader public. Lanparties are also related to men’s world - however, the latest trends show that the network gaming world is not a male’s world anymore.

Herman showed a proof that in the largest outdoor lanparty in the world, CampZone, 11% of the visitors is female. Although seems small, this is a considerable growing number, from 0% 7 years ago and 5% 2 years ago.

I personally knew a female gamer that is actually leading her ‘clan’ - team of gamers - to competitions as well as running her own game server for her team to play and practice.

Some of the most famous multiplayer games are Command & Conquer and Counter Strike.

In my opinion, lanparites are no longer associated to geeks and male anymore. Games reach more and more broader audience.

Consider attending lanparties, where gamers compete and network, and consider reading Herman’s knol as it is a work in progress.

Image by Eli Hodapp.