Dec 12, 2024, 12:00 AM
Dec 12, 2024, 12:00 AM

Nvidia's long-awaited LAN party returns in January 2024

Highlights
  • Nvidia will host the GeForce LAN 50 from January 4th to January 6th, 2025, in Las Vegas.
  • A total of 400 slots will be available for everyday gamers, with registration starting on December 16th, 2024.
  • This event marks the first LAN party hosted by Nvidia in over a decade, reviving a popular gaming culture.
Story

In early January 2025, Nvidia is set to hold its first complete LAN party in 13 years, known as GeForce LAN 50. This event will be hosted in Las Vegas, Nevada, running from January 4th to January 6th, and is expected to attract everyday gamers who can reserve one of the limited 400 spaces available. The LAN party will feature a substantial 50-hour gaming marathon, showcasing a variety of contests, tournaments, raffles, and giveaways for attendees. This revival comes as Nvidia recognizes the nostalgic appeal of LAN parties amidst the online gaming era. In addition to the main event in Las Vegas, Nvidia will also host satellite events in Berlin, Taipei, and Beijing, catering to gamers around the world. The LAN party signifies a strategic move by Nvidia as it aims to rekindle its connection with the gaming community. It follows the company's long history of hosting major LAN events since 2004, culminating in the GeForce LAN 6 in 2011, after which such events ceased until this announcement. The timing of the Lan party is notable as it occurs just before Nvidia's CES 2025 keynote address, during which new graphics cards, including the RTX 5090, RTX 5080, and potentially the RTX 5070, are expected to be announced. Participants seeking to join will need to make a refundable deposit of $125 at the time of registration, which begins on December 16th, 2024. This deposit reflects Nvidia's commitment to ensuring serious participation while allowing for a financial safety net for the entrants. Besides the LAN event, Nvidia is also offering online rewards for gamers who stream certain titles from its GeForce Now cloud gaming service, further engaging fans unable to attend the event in person. The gradual return of interest in LAN parties can be attributed to a sense of nostalgia and a growing community desire for in-person interactions within the gaming realm. The LAN party culture had seen a decline as gaming shifted to online platforms, but recent developments hint at a potential renaissance of these events. Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang’s surprise visit to a small LAN event in Vietnam in 2023 underscores the company’s ongoing dedication to these gatherings, which were once a staple in the gaming industry.

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