Online multiplayer gaming is growing popular each day, as some of the hottest new titles on the market provide the capability for users to link up against each other. LAN gaming, on the other hand, requires that users link up via a network cable to take advantage of the blazing speeds that Local Area Networking can provide.

Among some of the most notable selections on the market today, DOOM is known to be one of the first titles to integrate LAN into its gameplay. Starcraft, Warcraft, and Counter-Strike are just a few of the other popular games in which users can link up on one network and battle (or team) with each other.

LAN gaming parties can be small or large, ranging from roughly twenty gamers to hundreds of users, depending on the size of the arena and networking capabilities. The gaming environment can usually grow quite competitive, especially when prizes are put on the line for teams demonstrating the best skill in a particular match up.

Most of the time, users are required to bring their own computer systems, though they are provided at large competitions. LAN grew popular in the late 90’s, and despite recent increases in Internet connection speeds, it still remains a popular hobby among many gamers today.