SWITZERLAN 2019
“LAN” is short for “Local Area Network”. At LAN parties, gamers come together, set up their PCs in the hall and play games together. There are tournaments with prizemoney, but players are basically free to do whatever they want during their stay. The organizers provide everything necessary, including a warm kitchen, a bar, a sleeping hall and showers.
Who goes there?
Everyone is welcome at the SwitzerLAN. The usual clientele consists mainly of gamers from Switzerland and the neighboring countries. If there’s an image of a lonely, pale basement-gamer in your head right now, you have the wrong idea. Today, gamers are very diverse, ranging from fitness guys to hardcore metal fans. And even the number of female participants at our events is steadily growing.
Can I go?
Of course! You only need to purchase a ticket and select a seat in the seating plan here.
Why do people go to a LAN?
Before the internet, LANs were the only way to play with your friends. Gamers used to connect their PCs using a LAN cord and play games together, which is exactly what they did at LAN parties. With the rise of the internet it became possible to play with friends online and LAN parties became unnecessary. Then, gamers began to view the social aspect of LANs as more important and in the last years, LAN parties have again seen a rise in popularity. Today, LAN parties are a way to meet your online friends, discuss games and make memories, that’s why some participants don’t even get to play games any longer than a few hours at a LAN party, because they’re too busy catching up with old friends and making new ones.
What do I have to bring?
As organizers, we provide a seat with a chair, desk, LAN cord and three power outlets per person. Our LANs are BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer). You bring your computer, screen, and all the necessary peripheral gear you need. In addition, you’ll need enough fresh clothes for the weekend, hygienic products, a sleeping bag and a mattress, and some money. Before each event, we release a packing list for all participants.
Can I sleep there?
Yes, we have a large sleeping hall with enough room for all participants. You have to bring your own mattress and sleeping bag, we provide only the space. We also have facilities for you to shower and maintain your personal hygiene. Bring your own towels, shampoo etc. for that.
What games can I play at the SwitzerLAN?
You’re free to play any game you want. We organize some tournaments in the most popular esports titles, but you don’t have to participate in a tournament if you don’t want to. If you want to participate, sign up on the tournaments page.
If you play on console, you can also bring your console and a screen and play that, or you can just watch series all weekend long.
What is special about the SwitzerLAN?
With over 2000 gamers, the annual SwitzerLAN in Bern is the largest LAN party in the German speaking part of the world. Our goal is to make the SwitzerLAN the best gaming event in Switzerland. The SwitzerLAN is part of the HeroFest, one of the biggest and most interesting gaming and fantasy expos in Switzerland. SwitzerLAN attendees have a HeroFest pass included in their LAN ticket.
What is the HeroFest?
The HeroFest is a gaming and fantasy expo featuring loads of games, developers, cosplayers, drone races and other nerdy stuff. It takes place at the same time and in the same place as the SwitzerLAN and all SwitzerLAN participants have access to the expo. If you want to catch a break from gaming, make sure to check it out.
What if I only play PlayStation, Nintendo or Xbox?
That’s not a problem. You can just bring your console, hook it up and play on that. But you have to be aware that all tournaments are played on PC only.
Where do I get all the necessary info?
Our main tool of communication is our Discord channel. Discord is a messaging program designed for gamers, similar to Skype. Join our channel here (https://discordapp.com/invite/AwJb9mF).
What is the minimum age for participating?
The minimum age is 14 at the start of the event. Participants under 18 have to bring the filled out form of eligibility, signed by their parents or legal guardians. You can find the form here ( https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iqq9zKHaeBBewWyp23Y37VTflWvxAKoI/view?usp=sharing ).