In my life as a gamer, college student, and all around bad influence, I can tell a good time from a boring one. If there’s anything I can say after my experiences, it’s that those gamer’s know how to party. I say this as someone who has attended many kinds of game oriented social events. From the six person LAN in a friend’s mom’s basement to the meltdown that was E3. Maybe it’s because I’m the happiest when I have a controler in my hand, but I have more fun sitting in a group of 10 people battling on Guitar Hero then I ever did at random house parties and clubs.
I like to consider myself a “social butterfly.” I’m fun, extroverted, and have no problem being the first out of a group of people to break the ice. This is probably why I enjoy such types of gatherings. Especially because they involve my biggest passion… Gaming. Now, there are a lot of tips to having a proper game party. Read on, and hopefully the next one you throw will go down in neighborhood history. (In a good way)
First and foremost, figure out in advance what you will be playing and try to have a good idea of how many people will be there. World of Warcraft is only a good party game if other people are playing it with you. I don’t see 30 people watching one person run raids and having a good time, unless your last name is Jenkins. Then again, a game like WoW can be a blast with 4 of your guild-mates in the same room. It’s also important to know what your main audience is going to be. You have to remember to try and find games that everyone there can play. If youre the only one who’s PC can play Crysis, you should save that for when there’s only a few people there or you just can’t take another round of Worms 3D.
Another very important thing to preplan is the amount of space you have. It’s not a bad idea to move that coffee table so people aren’t tripping over the Rock Band drum cords. Seating is also good. People like to be comfortable when they play games. It’s also good to make sure you have the proper equipment, like enough monitors, TV’s, controlers, and never forget a garbage can! Always remember: bring extras! I couldn’t count how many time’s Ive heard someone say, “Dude, I forgot my power cable! Do you have an extra?” Ethernet cables, controlers, even batteries can save a thankful gamer a sad drive home for a missing-essential.
(”I can’t believe no one here has an extra mouse!”)
Air conditioning is probably a good idea. Even in the winter. Games can get pretty intense. I have personally seen people burst into tears after lengthy battles between rivals. These types of conditions can cause perspiration, which can smell. Very very bad. Also, keeping a can of Axe in your backpack can save your day, especially when youre not the one who needs it. Cold fingers can be rough on your gameplay. Make sure you don’t keep it too chilly, but always remember that all that electronic equipment plus all those people can heat a place up pretty quickly.
Try to keep in mind the snacks and beverages that are a necessity for the thirsty fraggers and rock stars. Some people say they can’t play a decent game of Guitar Hero without a cold beer. Others wont go to any LAN without their trusty dusty energy drink. It’s also good to remember that once everyone leaves, you have to clean it up. Saucy foods should also be a no-no. No one likes to have alfredo sauce accidently spilled all over thier favorite controler. Also, 3AM energy drink fueled rides to Denny’s are always fun. Just don’t be like Mr. Pink! Tip your server!
Every party has a pooper. Usually it’s the guy that makes everyone leave. Try to set the timeframe beforehand. Also, these timeframes never get kept. So don’t plan anything for the next morning. That “one more game” mentality can take over and more then likely the gaming will continue until dawn. Other then that, sit down and start playing! The whole point is to have fun with your friends! Whether your having hardcore Counter Strike LANs or attending the local wii-bowling match, have a good time! See you at the next one!
January 16th, 2008 at 8:55 am
Now this is what I am into. When I have a game party, most everyone who comes knows what to expect. We have the food ready, we have all the controllers and peripherals ready, and even a quick movie to break ourselves so we don’t lose our voices or strain our hands halfway through the day. (Most of my parties are from 10 am until way past 5 am). But this is what I am all about. The gathering. Most of the games that I have bought in the past 3 years are games that a big group of people can play. And we all know that we are all coming over to have fun. Is there going to be $#!% talking? Yes. Is there going to be “pwnage” of one another? Yes. Will I hog the mic during Karaoke Revolution again? Hell yes. But we all have fun. I have not had one incident where any one went home angry or upset because the same people who came to my first game party are still the same people who come, and them some. And everyone has input into what is going to go on that day, so everyone gets to play what they want to. Last game party we had was 50% Mario Party 8, 10% Mario Sonic, 10% Karaoke Revolution, 15% Rock Band, 5% Wii Sports, and 10% Resistance. Good times, good times … except when my wife owned me at Resistance. LOL
January 16th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Your title made me lol…
We used to have game night every week at our house, but we have slacked off a bit because of school. Now that I am done I am ready to rock again! It always works good for us, everyone brings food and something to drink, which is a help. We never plan exactly what we want to play, so everyone brings extra controllers and handheld systems in case they need to wait their turn. Usually we have a large game going on in the game room, then another one out in the living room. The DS’s and PSP’s come out for those waiting for their turn and those who are interested play board-games! It is a ton of fun!
January 16th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
rolf at title
Love gamer parties! No one does it better foo shoo…
January 18th, 2008 at 10:39 am
You can’t forget the essential movie of every lan party. Grandmas boy!
February 2nd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
My house is usually the haven for Gamer Parties. Why? Three big TVs, 2 360s, 2 PS2s, 2 PSPs, and Wireless internet.
Magic, Halo 2/3, Gears, Robotech RPG, Call of Duty, Bomberman, anything we can get our hands on.
Gamers are defintely the most fun to be around.