Next week, the gamescom LAN will take place in Cologne for the second time. Why the old tradition behind it remains indispensable to this day. A guest article by ESBD President Christopher Flato.
LAN parties remain an indispensable part of gaming and eSports culture. While digital competition has long since developed in the direction of online servers, international tournaments and even the Olympics, the physical gathering in person remains a unique experience that helped shape the DNA of eSports.
From basement cultures to flagship events
The origins of eSports lie in the fascination for competitive gaming at LAN parties. In the 90s and early 2000s, gamers would meet in basements, community centers or exhibition halls to compete in Counter-Strike, Warcraft or Quake. Back then, there were no sophisticated online matchmaking systems – broadband internet was a luxury. Those who wanted to compete had to pack up their computers and network with like-minded people locally.
It quickly became apparent that some players were exceptionally good. They were cheered on, watched and inspired others – a cornerstone for today’s professional eSports. These tournaments were not isolated events, but lively meeting places for communities that went far beyond the actual games. To this day, LAN parties are a place where teams come together, new talent is discovered and gaming culture is experienced up close.
Why LAN parties will still be relevant in 2025
In an age when everything is connected and digitized, the question arises: why should you still carry hardware around and go to a LAN party? The answer lies in the sense of community. Gaming is no longer just an isolated hobby, but a form of culture that develops most intensively through direct exchange. LAN parties offer just that: an immediate, tangible experience that goes beyond online interactions.
National communities benefit enormously from such events. They provide a stage for young talent, promote local structures and give the gaming scene visibility in public. Major events such as Gamevasion in Hannover, CAGGTUS in Leipzig or the upcoming gamescom LAN in Cologne are beacons that show that eSports in Germany is not just a competitive online phenomenon, but a deeply rooted social movement.
Looking to the future: From cult to Olympic
In an industry increasingly shaped by digital platforms, LAN parties offer a valuable contrast: a place where gamers can exchange ideas and compete without digital barriers. Their relevance lies not only in nostalgia, but in the creation of lasting encounters and networks that will continue to shape eSports in the future.
The recently announced Olympic Esports Games also show that eSports are becoming more professional and attracting global attention. While such events shine a spotlight on top-level esports, it remains essential that strong community events exist at the national and local level. They are not only a valuable cultural asset, but also the breeding ground from which talent emerges and rises to compete internationally.
So LAN parties in 2025 will not only work – they are essential. They are the heart of our community, a meeting place for like-minded people and an indispensable platform for the next generation of eSports fans and talent in Germany.
