LAN gaming center

{{Short description|Local area network for playing multiplayer computer games}}

{{Use American English|date=October 2020}}

File:LANRoomPittsburgh.jpg gaming tournament.]]

File:OSActivision.JPG was one of the largest LAN gaming centers in Europe, seating 400 plus three consoles.]]

A LAN Gaming Center is a business where one

can use a computer connected over a LAN to

other computers, primarily for the purpose of playing multiplayer

computer games. Use of these computers or game consoles costs a fee, usually per hour or minute; sometimes one can have unmetered access with a pass for a day or month, etc. It may or may not serve as a

regular café as well, with food and drinks being served. Many game

centers have evolved in recent years{{When|date=July 2023}} to also include console gaming.

Other centers offer computer repair and consulting, custom

built computers, web design, programming

classes or summer camps, and other technology related

services.

LAN gaming centers can come in various sizes and styles, from the

very small (6-8 computers) to the very large (400+ computers). Most

have computer systems with higher-end hardware built specifically for

computer gaming. Customers can play games with (or against) in-house

opponents and most also include a high-speed Internet

connection to allow customers to play games with online opponents as

well (usually at the same time). Most also host a number of special

events such as tournaments and LAN parties, some

lasting throughout the night. Another typical feature is the ability to browse the Web and use instant messaging clients. Often these gaming centers allow customers the option of

renting out the whole or part of the store for private LAN parties. LAN

centers are typically decorated in such a way as to enhance the already

present gaming atmosphere, such as adding black-light lightbulbs and

gaming paraphernalia and posters around the center. A standard LAN

gaming center will have rows of computers next to each other with

highback leather computer chairs.

There are over 650 LAN centers in the US, while 90% of the LAN Centers

in the world are in China, the largest having over 1777

seats.{{cite web

| last = Jones

| first = Bruce McCulloch

| title = Using Video Games to Promote Positive Social Interaction on Campus

| work = Gaming Technology

| publisher = Savage Geckos LLC

| date = April 2007

| url = http://www.acui.org/uploadedFiles/Programs/Professional_Development/Gaming%20Technology.pdf

| doi =

| accessdate = 2009-07-31 }}

It is common for a LAN gaming centers to sell the games that they had already installed for their in-house computers, most notably MMORPGs and many FPS games.