by Levi Ritchie

Created on: June 22, 2008   Last Updated: November 03, 2008

So, you're looking to have some fun gaming with other human beings? Yes, it's true that there are plenty of single-player games available out there, but you're missing out on a lot of fun if the only thing you do is sit on your couch playing the latest RPG (that's "Role Playing Game", for those who aren't as gaming-literate).

Frankly, though, there are some gamers who, by chance, get dropped into the middle of a world where all of their closest friends hate games. In this case, you might want to give planned LAN parties a go. Perhaps you are a lonely nerd who wants to show off his online gaming skills to people in real life. Perhaps you are a middle-aged man hoping to look young or spend more time with his ever-distant son. Most LAN party-goers fit somewhere between, or far, far away from those two categories. Regardless of who you are, I'm going to provide you with a list of possible ways to experience the wonder of a LAN party, in countdown list form, because EVERYONE loves countdown lists.

5. Word on the Street

If you are one of those hip youngsters of the college-going variety, you likely know a few groups of people who like to hang out. Start talking around. Undoubtedly, one of these people will eventually know about a LAN party that goes on somewhere. Make sure it's cool (the kids still say "cool" these days, right?) for you to be there, and, once you've been to a party once, you will have made some new friends that you should expect to see often.

The disadvantage to this is, of course, that you are required to be in college and have the time to snoop around.

4. Word on the Street (Jr. Edition)

Suppose, then that you are in high school? While not as frequent, LAN parties sometimes pop up at the occasional friend's friend's house, and you simply need to get an invite. Depending on how large your school is, this could be more difficult than it first seems. Really small high schools in rural areas and towns aren't going to have nearly as many of these sorts of parties. Other, large schools are going to have a lot of parties totally unrelated to gaming, thus taking away your precious friends. However, if you are lucky, you might just be able to find a tourney or two for games like Halo 3, Call of Duty 4, or even games in the "Super Smash Bros." series.

The disadvantage to this is that you are required to already know some people in order to find anything out. Should this fail, wait until college, or try another method.

3. A Trusted local Game store owner

A trip around

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