As the year 2000 approached, the world of web technology was on the brink of significant change. Google had not yet become the giant it is today, and dial-up internet, with its unforgettable sound, was still common in many American households. The era saw the rise of file-sharing platforms like Napster and LimeWire, while MP3 players and 3D graphics were the latest innovations.
In various corners of the globe, from dorm rooms to basements, enthusiasts would gather their desktop computers to create local area networks (LAN) for multiplayer gaming sessions. Games like “Half-Life,” “Counter-Strike,” and “StarCraft” were the stars of these LAN parties, where the thrill of victory often meant winning energy drinks or simply basking in the joy of success.
These gaming marathons could stretch over days and nights, with participants surrounded by fast food, sleeping under their desks in sleeping bags, and taking breaks for pranks or movies.
Since those days, the gaming landscape has transformed dramatically into a multi-billion dollar industry. It has shifted from in-person gatherings to a vast network of online competitions and content creation, with a significant corporate influence on game design and monetization.
For today’s Gen Z, raised in the smartphone era, the early days of gaming might seem like a distant world. Yet, for millennials and Gen Xers, the memories of bulky monitors and pixelated graphics are a nostalgic reminder of a not-so-distant past.
The nostalgia for this era inspired writer and podcaster Merritt K to capture the essence of gaming culture in her photobook “LAN Party.” After sharing her idea on social media, she was flooded with responses from gamers eager to relive and share their memories of LAN parties and gaming conventions worldwide.
Despite not personally appearing in the photos, many feel a deep connection to the images, seeing their younger selves in the communal spirit of those gatherings. The book has even attracted interest from those too young to have experienced LAN parties, indicating a broader nostalgia for times gone by.
“LAN Party” evokes a longing for the past, reminding us of a time when the internet was a place to connect with real people in a shared space. It was an era before social media dominance, where high-speed internet was a novelty and not an integral part of daily life.
The late ’90s and early 2000s were also a groundbreaking period for photography, with digital cameras becoming accessible to the public. This shift is reflected in the book’s grainy, unedited photos, capturing moments of genuine interaction and unposed joy.
The book also hints at the early signs of modern gamer culture stereotypes, yet emphasizes the communal aspect of gaming in physical proximity, contrasting with today’s online toxicity.
Despite changes in technology and gaming culture, LAN parties still occur, maintaining their iconic status within the gaming community. They serve as a testament to a time when our relationship with technology was more exploratory and less invasive.
“LAN Party” is not just a collection of photographs; it’s a journey back to a pivotal moment in gaming history, offering a glimpse into the communal joy and creativity that defined an era.