Vito Cassisi – Tech Blog Delving into technology

Interview with LAN master DasBok

DasBok shares his experiences and observations in the world of LANing.

DasBok has been generous enough to spare some time for an interview regarding his role of planning and running gaming LANs. Check it out. :)



How did you get into gaming, and eventually the LAN scene?
I actually got into gaming, and the LAN scene in very similar ways, and that’s all thanks to the education system. I was first introduced to computers and computer games all the way back when I was in the 3rd grade at primary school, by my teacher at the time, when he brought in his “new” computer, a 486, with a tonne of awesome games on them.

This love for games only increased with the release of Quake, and Quake2 in 1996/7, and when I got my first real taste of the Internet, including playing games on LANs. I didn’t get big in the LAN scene until I hit University, where with the support of the IT faculty at Monash, me and a friend were able to start “GreenTubeLAN”.

How did your LAN gatherings start?
GreenTubeLAN first started with me and a friend at Monash. We decided that we wanted to try our hands at hosting a LAN. I mean, what better way to when you have all the resources available to us including some truly kick-arse and totally over-the-top hardware (we are talking 3com managed switches), just for, what at the time, was relatively small LAN. And from there, it just grew.

What is involved when setting up a large scale LAN?
Giving up months worth of sleep? :)

Generally, the process we use when getting ready, is about two or three months out, start planning, seating arrangements, and start sourcing hardware, cables, and of course sending out requests to possible sponsors.

Then we go into our “advertising” mode, where we start contacting regulars, letting them know the where, what, and why, and putting up notices on websites, etc.

On the day, the admins generally get there early, we drag out tables, run all the cables that need to be in place, and use literally miles of duct tape to hold everything down, plus setting up, and testing servers.

At some point, because at our LANs we offer food, a few guys go off and fill up a few trolleys worth of goods.

If everything goes according to plans (which it never does), we are ready with everything working by the time the doors open to lets the eager LANers in.

What genre of games do you enjoy playing? Any specific titles?
As many people know, I’m a HUGE fan of Death Match games, specifically Quake Live. But I’m also open to playing many other games (Call of Duty 4, Team Fortress 2, Left 4 Dead), and I’m currently hooked on Command & Conquer 3 and Fallout 3.

When LAN time comes around, I start getting big into the racing sim of choice at the time (come on, try and beat me on Bathurst!).

Which do you find are the most popular titles amongst gamers that attend your LANs?
Generally, we find the games which provide something fresh, with the ability to be social at the same time. We have had success with Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Painkiller, Unreal Tournament 2004, and Counter Strike.

Surprisingly, at our LANs, Team Fortress 2 doesn’t seem to be very popular. Basically, if you can kill something, or race something whilst yelling at everyone else in the game, it will be a hit, it's all about having fun right?

How has LANing changed over the last few years?
I think LANing has [unfortunately] changed for the worst over the past few years. When I first started going to LANs (which was well before I started hosting them), they were all about playing games, and having fun with like-minded people. This culture seems to have disappeared.

Now it seems that most LANs have degenerated into either file-transfer, or competitions. The casual game play seems to be left behind, unless it's just between mates. The days of random 64 player Battlefield games are gone.

Do you have any tips for those who wish to start their own local LAN party/society?
If you are planning on starting your own local LAN, you must be prepared to put in a lot of effort. You are going to need to run around a lot. As a first LAN, you must be prepared to have no sponsors as many places won't give support to an unproven LAN.

Also, if you are going to start your own LAN, make sure it's NOT for the money. You will NOT make money from hosting a LAN. OK, you might make $20 at the end of it, but that’s not the point, you should be hosting a LAN because you love games, and sharing your gaming experience with people.

Where should people go to find out more about your LANs?
Currently, since GreenTubeLAN folded, I am currently working on some plans to setup another LAN with a friend, of course, people who read your blog will be the first to know once we have everything in place :)

DasBok can be contacted via his blog at http://www.dasbok.com/