These were informal but high-stakes gatherings, then known as LAN parties, whether winning a box of energy drinks or just the joy of emerging victorious. Many people who had never experienced the era of LAN parties also responded with excitement. Digital cameras — with which most of the photos in “LAN Party” were taken — had just become widely available to the public. LAN parties made space for competition and community in both 'real life' and online environments simultaneously. Dane Oleson/Electronox/Courtesy Thames & HudsonThough they have significantly dwindled in frequency, LAN parties do still take place.

---

Persons: David Harrison, Gen Xers, podcaster Merritt, ”, ” K, “, ’, Anne de Waal, Charles, Jeff Tillett, —, Merritt K, Brett Masse, Nick Huber, White, it’s, Dane Oleson Organizations: CNN, chrysalis, Google, Napster, Hudson, Thames, LAN Party, Twitter, QuakeCon, IRL Locations: Brisbane, Australia, Hengelo, The Netherlands, St, Charles Parish , Louisiana, Dallas , Texas, Tulsa , Oklahoma, Lee's Summit , Missouri