GameOn are a company who specialise in organising LAN events.

A LAN stands for Local Area Network. In GameOn terms it's a bunch of people who enjoy playing games hooking their computers up together for hours of fun filled fracas.

People play games all the time over the Internet but with one major disadvantage. LAG! LAG is a term used to describe the effects of information from your PC not reaching a central games server resulting in jerky and sometimes unplayable multiplayer games.

So what makes a LAN different? Well because a LAN is usually held in a school hall, community centre or any other suitable venue. All the servers you need to access are a couple of meters instead of hundreds of miles away. Couple that with a high-speed network consisting of the latest and greatest network switching and routing technology and you have yourselves a recipe for Lag free gaming.

GameOn has a simple policy with regards to choosing its games to host. If its multiplayer and its popular, we'll host it, if a server is made for it. Current favourites have been:

• Call Of Duty
• Counter-Strike for Halflife
• DoD for Halflife
• TFc for Halflife
• Quake III
• Command and Conquer - Red Alert 2
• Aliens vs Predator II
• Jedi Knight II
• UT 2003
• Battlefield 1942
• Soldier of Fortune II
• Return to Castle Wolfenstien
• Medal of Honour
• Plus many many more!

I like XXX title can I play that? GameOn realise that not everyone's taste in games are the same, that's why we like to see variation. GameOn also try to keep as many people involved as possible. The best option if you are planning on attending an event is to speak to some of the helpful ops in the #GameOn IRC channel, or alternatively post your thoughts on the GameOn messageboard. You will more than likely find that other people also have your gaming interests, and as a result, GameOn should be able to accommodate that at the LAN events.

Tell me more about the LANS. A quote from a popular movie went "Nobody can tell you what the matrix is, you have to experience it for yourself". The same applies to GameOn LANS. There's only so much you can be told, the rest you'll have to find out for yourself. It's pretty much guaranteed however, those who sample the 20 player fragfests or 1 on 1 tournaments or even the organised team events often come back for more.

How long do the LANS last? This generally varies from the short but sweet two day events to the marathon 4-day bank-holiday bonanzas.

Does GameOn provide anything else at the LANS? GameOn have run competitions throughout the LAN varying from 1 on 1 tournaments to team games. Prizes are also sometimes on offer.

Your PC and monitor!
Specification should be a minimum of (the more the better!):

• Pentium III 500 mhz processor or equivalent
• 128 meg ram
• TNT2 3d graphics card or equivalent
• 16X CD Rom
• A few gigabytes spare on your hard disk wont go amiss.
• 10 meg Network Card

Please bear in mind that these are very minimal specifications and it would be near impossible to run some of the newer games that are played so something a little more up to date would be better. At the end of the day, you should know best how your PC performs playing what games.

Over the years that GameOn has been running LANS, not one thing has been more crucial to smooth running than having the driver discs and operating system discs. This is to ensure that if problems occur with hardware, the resolution is quick to hand. Please consult component or pc manufacturer if these discs are not available to you. Your games are equally important, without those you'd be hard pressed to play with anyone.

GameOn will provide the networking cables. It its important that attendees bring a minimum of a 4-way gangway socket and their power leads. Spares are sometimes available in emergencies but are not enough to go around.

GameOn locations have areas designated for sleeping, consisting of a floor and... well that's it... (Some people choose to ignore these areas, check out the LAN pictures in the reviews section to see what we mean) It is best practice to bring along a sleeping bag and pillows. Regulars to the LANS encourage purchasing an inflatable bed as proven to be a great comfort compared to the carpeted floors. If any special requirements are needed, please contact the GameOn LAN organisers to discuss your needs.

Due to the amount of people that attend the GameOn LANS, speakers ARE NOT permitted. If you wish to listen to music or listen to your games headphones is a requirement.

To pay you're way for entry to the LAN and for any food you wish to devour.

This is the most important thing to bring to a LAN to ensure you enjoy yourself. GameOn pride themselves with the friendly, helpful atmosphere generated at their LANS, and we wish this to carry on. Besides people who don't mingle with everyone else find they don't have as much fun as the rest. Talk to people, get to know people, you'll find some good friends and maybe some future team mates at the LANS. Plus it gives you someone to talk to next time.

Ok first, you need to check venue details, dates and prices here to ensure that you are able to attend. If you're able to attend, click here and book your place. I've got questions that are not answered here! Ok, click here for the GameOn frequently asked questions (FAQ), if your answer is not there, either ask in the #GameOn IRC channel or alternatively post on the GameOn messageboard.

Last but not least, click here for best practises for readying your pc for transit.