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LAN Parties: Revival and Evolution in 2023

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In the early 2000’s, LAN (Local Area Network) parties made up a large part of what some call the golden age of gaming. But as Wifi connections became stronger and cheaper, multiplayer gaming moved online, and LAN parties took a step back from the limelight.

Even though they may seem extinct to some, there’s still a strong LAN scene. With Insomnia the Gaming Festival taking place from the 7th to the 10th of September, domain and hosting experts, and event guest, Fasthosts, wanted to explore the current state of LAN parties in 2023, rounding up some of the biggest events taking place worldwide.

Originating in the 70s, it wasn’t until the turn of the millennium that LAN parties became the driving social gatherings of the gamer community. It was common to see teens transferring their heavy setups to friends’ houses to revel in hours worth of gameplay in bunker-like basements and dated living rooms. LAN parties were the first true form of multiplayer gaming and involved each player to BYOC (Bring our Own Computer), and gather together in the same physical location and connect their computers or consoles to play offline LAN-compatible games.

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Nowadays, most game servers no longer support LAN connections. Nonetheless, informal small “friendly” events take place across the world alongside larger tournaments. Interestingly, they have witnessed a shift by partially merging with the competitive world of eSports. Many tournaments recognise the appeal and importance of keeping their novelty alive, and have incorporated social gaming, and BYOC areas where participants can enjoy more casual playing sessions with friends or acquaintances.

With their rich cultural history and nostalgia, they are still enjoyed by avid gamers worldwide and bridge the gap between the past and present world of gaming. In fact, there are plenty of events that promote LAN style gaming and casual play – here are some of the largest events that are reviving the classic spirit of gaming:

Insomnia the Gaming Festival (UK)

Insomnia is the biggest gaming festival in the UK. Each year it hosts eSport competitions, meet and greets, cosplay, and gaming-related events. Insomnia are hosting their i7i LAN party on the 10/09 where you can compete in tournaments or friendly battles.

QuakeCon (USA)

QuakeCon is an annual video game convention that takes place in Texas. It is primarily centred around id software’s game, especially the Quake series. It will be the first in-person event since 2019, and it is said that this year’s convention will bring greater emphasis to the BYOC side of the event.

LanTrek (Finland)

LanTrek is an annual gaming event that started in 2001. Aimed at all young people interested in computers, consoles, board games and gaming, it features competitive tournaments, exhibition areas, and a BYOC option where individuals can enjoy casual gaming with their friends.

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The Gathering (Norway)

The gathering takes place in April of each year in the Viking Ship in Hamar. As Norway’s biggest computing event, they celebrate Easter with games, eSport competition, lectures, and concerts. It is also run entirely by volunteers and non-profit organisations.

Dreamhack (Worldwide)

Dreamhack is one of the largest LAN party and gaming festivals globally. It started in Sweden but soon popped up in various other locations, including the US, France, India, and Spain. Each event combines eSports, LAN gaming, concerts, meet and greets and more.

Gamers Assembly (France)

Unlike others on this list, Gamers Assembly is solely a LAN gaming event. Organised by the FutuoLAN association it attracts thousands of players each year looking to take part in the tournaments from popular eSport titles to more niche selections.

Assembly (Finland)

The biggest gaming convention in Finland, it attracts an average of 30,000 participants every event. Centred around gaming, eSports and digital culture, for the summer 23 edition, Assembly announced their largest ever LAN area to date.

PAX (USA & Australia)

PAX takes place in numerous locations around the US and Australia. Although primarily a gaming event it offers a BYOC/community playing option alongside other fun features such as talks, game demos, concerts, and tournaments.

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Melco’s Cyprus “Glow Your Way to Macao” Roadshow Promotes Macao’s Status as a Leading Leisure and Business Travel Destination to European and Arabian Markets

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With the aim of supporting the SAR government’s plans to promote international travel and boost tourism in Macao, on September 17, hosted the second in its series of “Glow Your Way to Macao” events, this time in Cyprus, to promote Macao’s status as a top travel leisure and business destination.

To appeal to travelers from European and Arabian countries, Melco invited approximately 150 guests from the government of the Republic of Cyprus, the Macao SAR government, travel agencies, business associations and media representatives from across Europe, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Macao to the event hosted at City of Dreams Mediterranean. The roadshow introduced attendees to Macao’s diverse historical and cultural offerings and attractions, as well as Melco’s unparalleled and award-winning hotel, entertainment, dining and exhibition facilities.

Showcasing Melco’s steadfast commitment to promoting Macao as a global hub for both leisure and business travelers, Melco has set up sales offices to promote the city in Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines, and is currently in the process of setting up a sales office the Republic of Cyprus.

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Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and CEO of Melco, said: “As a prominent integrated resort operator deeply rooted in Macao, we are thrilled to host our second ‘Glow Your Way to Macao’ event at City of Dreams Mediterranean. It serves as a testament to our support for the SAR government’s drive to attract further international travelers the city, and to expand Macao’s visitor sources in alignment with the “1+4” diversified development strategy. Being a study of contrasts — from its multicultural heritage to its culinary identity, Macao is a unique destination that truly never sleeps. We are thrilled to support the Macao government’s efforts to promote the city’s gastronomy, sporting events, culture, heritage and the creative arts as it continues to diversify and bloom. We are confident that Macao will grow to become an even more cherished and popular destination for travelers from Cyprus, the broader European and GCC market, as an exciting and remarkable city for visitors to immerse themselves in electrifying excitement.”

Mr. Andreas Gregoriou, Head of Presidency, Cyprus, said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome the Macao Authorities to Cyprus for this roadshow, showcasing Macao’s potential as a global destination for leisure and business travel. Cyprus, with its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, offers unparalleled access to markets in the wider Mediterranean, the Middle East, and beyond. As a member of the European Union, Cyprus serves as a gateway to one of the largest and most diverse economic zones in the world.”

Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, said: “Macao and Cyprus have much in common and great room for cooperation in tourism and beyond. Helped by Melco Resorts & Entertainment’s City of Dreams Mediterranean and its Macao Sales Office in Cyprus, I believe that we can spark a long-lasting friendship and cooperation between our two destinations. We look forward to joining hands with Macao’s integrated resort enterprises to create more cooperation and jointly expand the international visitor source markets.”

Mr. Sam Lei, Director of Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) of Macao SAR, said: “As we strive to enhance Macao’s MICE development, it is great to see Melco continue to implement initiatives to promote the city and its MICE infrastructure to overseas markets, this time to audiences in Europe and the GCC. We will continue to leverage Macao’s unique advantages by collaborating with cross-sector stakeholders to attract more professional and international events, and make the ‘Golden Calling Card’ of Macao as an international metropolis shine brighter.”

The post Melco’s Cyprus “Glow Your Way to Macao” Roadshow Promotes Macao’s Status as a Leading Leisure and Business Travel Destination to European and Arabian Markets appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Rossi McKee will Participate in Omnichannel Strategy Panel at SBC Summit 2024

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Rossi McKee, entrepreneur, co-founder of Telematic Interactive, CT Interactive and CT Gaming, will participate in the panel discussion at SBC Summit 2024 titled “Omnichannel Strategy for Enhanced Customer Experience”. The session will take place on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

The discussion will address how businesses can leverage the latest technologies to ensure a seamless experience across online and offline platforms. McKee, alongside other panellists, will explore how lessons from online gaming, such as personalised marketing and advanced data analytics, can enhance land-based casino experiences. Panellists will also evaluate the current state of omnichannel implementation in the industry, considering whether businesses are fully capitalising on its potential to drive engagement and satisfaction.

Additionally, the conversation will cover how omnichannel strategies align with modern consumer expectations, aiming to provide a cohesive and exceptional customer experience.

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McKee’s extensive expertise in the gaming sector will provide valuable perspectives on navigating these complexities. Attendees can look forward to gaining actionable insights on creating a unified customer experience that bridges digital and physical touchpoints.

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Play’n GO Honoured at Corporate Star Awards Ceremony

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Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, was honoured as a global leader in Environmental Social Governance (ESG) practices at the prestigious Corporate Star Awards held in Amsterdam. The company was the only iGaming company shortlisted at the ceremony, and was nominated for the Best ESG Report award, placing it among renowned organisations such as Globo, EVS and SONY Entertainment, who won the category overall.

The Corporate Star Awards are known for recognising excellence in corporate reporting and sustainability, and Play’n GO’s nomination for the Best ESG Report Award is testament to its commitment to transparency and responsible business practices.

Play’n GO’s ESG Report provides comprehensive insights into the company’s environmental initiatives, social impact and governance practices, and showcases Play’n GO’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, promoting diversity and inclusion, and maintaining high ethical standards throughout its operations.

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The Corporate Star Awards recognise organisations that go above and beyond in their commitment to ESG practices, setting a benchmark for corporate responsibility. Play’n GO’s inclusion among the shortlisted companies underscores its position as a global leader in the iGaming industry and its dedication to sustainable business practices.

Johan Törnqvist, CEO and co-founder of Play’n GO, said: “We are truly honoured to be recognized as a global ESG leader at the Corporate Star Awards. This nomination is a testament to our unwavering dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices. We believe that a strong ESG framework is essential for the long-term success of any organization, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement. We look forward to participating in next year’s awards, and to furthering our own ESG initiatives.”

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