Nvidia Hosts First Full-LAN-Party-in-Decades Event and Invites Attendees
It’s been a long time coming, but Nvidia is finally bringing back its popular GeForce LAN events. The last one was held in 2011, and since then, the GPU company has only sporadically hosted small-scale gaming events. This time around, Nvidia is going all out with a massive "GeForce LAN 50" event that promises to be an unforgettable experience for gamers.
What is GeForce LAN?
For those who may not be familiar, GeForce LAN was a series of large-scale gaming events where participants would bring their own gaming PCs and connect them to a network. The goal was simple: play games with others in person, compete in tournaments, and have a blast doing it. The events were incredibly popular, attracting hundreds of gamers from all over the world.
The GeForce LAN 50
This year’s event will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 4th-6th, 2025. But that’s not all – Nvidia is also hosting satellite events in Berlin, Taipei, and Beijing for those who can’t make it to the main event.
What to Expect
The GeForce LAN 50 promises to be a "online & in-person 50 hour gaming marathon" with contests, tournaments, raffles, and swag. The event will kick off at 4:30 PM PT on January 4th and will feature a variety of games, including:
- Diablo IV
- The Elder Scrolls Online
- Fallout 76
- The Finals
- WoW
Registration and Requirements
To attend the GeForce LAN 50, you’ll need to reserve one of the 400 available spaces. Registration opens on December 16th at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET, and you’ll need to provide a fully refundable $125 deposit to secure your spot.
Online Rewards for Those Who Can’t Attend
If you can’t make it to the GeForce LAN 50 in person, Nvidia has got you covered. If you play one of the listed games continuously for 50 minutes while using the Nvidia app or GeForce Experience app, you’ll be eligible for a small set of rewards.
GeForce Greats: A Marketing Celebration
In addition to the GeForce LAN 50, Nvidia is also hosting a marketing celebration called "GeForce Greats." During this event, Nvidia will be giving away prizes and showcasing its latest graphics cards. It’s likely that the company will announce new products during CES 2025, which takes place just before the GeForce LAN 50.
A Brief History of Nvidia’s LAN Events
Nvidia first started hosting major LAN parties in 2004 and continued to do so almost every year until 2011. One of the most notable events was held at the San Jose Convention Center in 2008, where a Guinness World Record for the largest and longest LAN party was set.
The Return of Nvidia’s CEO
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has a soft spot for LANs and has even made surprise visits to small ones in Vietnam. His love for LAN events is evident in the company’s decision to bring back GeForce LAN after such a long hiatus.
A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane
As gamers have largely moved online for multiplayer games, the LAN party subculture has been getting a bit of nostalgic attention as of late. There’s even a coffee table book now documenting the era, highlighting the excitement and camaraderie that defined these events.
In conclusion, Nvidia’s GeForce LAN 50 is an event not to be missed. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just looking for a unique experience, this event promises to be an unforgettable adventure. Mark your calendars for January 4th-6th, 2025, and get ready to join the fun!
How to Register
To register for the GeForce LAN 50, head over to Nvidia’s website on December 16th at 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET. Be sure to have your $125 deposit ready to secure one of the limited spots.
Online Rewards and Prizes
If you can’t make it to the event in person, don’t worry! Nvidia will be offering online rewards for those who play specific games continuously for 50 minutes while using the Nvidia app or GeForce Experience app. Keep an eye on Nvidia’s website for more information on how to redeem your rewards.
GeForce Greats: A Marketing Celebration
Be sure to check out Nvidia’s marketing celebration, "GeForce Greats," where you’ll have a chance to win prizes and see the latest graphics cards in action. It’s likely that Nvidia will announce new products during CES 2025, so stay tuned for more information!
