A LAN party is a social gathering of participants with personal computers or compatible game consoles, where a local area network (LAN) connection is established between the devices using a router or switch, primarily for the purpose of playing multiplayer video games together. LAN party events differ significantly from LAN gaming centers and Internet cafes in that LAN parties generally require participants to bring your own computer (BYOC)[1] and are not permanent installations, often taking place in general-use venues or residences.
The size of these networks may vary from as few as two people to very large gatherings of a hundred or more. Small parties can form spontaneously and take advantage of common household networking equipment, but larger ones typically require more planning, equipment and preparation, even dedicated gaming servers. As of 2020, the world record for the size of a LAN party is 22,810 visitors, set at DreamHack, in Jönköping, Sweden.[2]
- ^ Kalke, Rushmie (22 October 2006). "CPUs get revved up in Hudson". Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved 2006-10-25.
- ^ "Largest LAN party". Guinness World Records.