Gamers at Central Michigan University pushed themselves to the limit this weekend.

They participated in a 36-hour Local Area Network event from Friday night to Sunday morning in Kulhavi Hall classrooms.

Big Shot Gaming hosted the event and typically puts on a major LAN event once each semester.

“We think it’s fun bringing people together,” said event organizer and Alma junior Eric Engel.

Shortly after the event started at 8 p.m. Friday, 124 people already were there.

In addition to players being able to hook their computers together with each other, several tournaments took place for popular console games such as Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Guitar Hero III.

PREPARING FOR A LAN

Gamers prepared for the event in various ways. For some, such as Elwell junior Danielle Holt, that meant sleep.

Some players spent Friday sleeping before playing through the entire event and catching up on sleep Sunday.

Many did not practice their games ahead of time.

“You can’t really practice for it,” said Colin Hennessy, a Jackson freshman.

THE UNIQUENESS OF LAN EVENTS

The true uniqueness of a LAN event like this one, according to gamers, was the sheer number of people.

“It’s like a massive meeting of gamers,” said East Tawas freshman Bryan Johnson.

The event was designed to meet the needs of gamers of all types.

“We’re really aiming for both demographics – people who play for fun and (people who play for) tournaments,” Engel said.

HOW COMPETITIVE IS IT?

The general consensus among those attending is that LAN events are much more competitive than normal gaming parties.

“There’s incentive here,” said Brendan Sheridan, a Midland sophomore.

Besides bragging rights, $3,500 in prizes were offered at the event with about $2,000 worth of them going to those who competed in tournaments and other competitions.

While very competitive, the mood of many gamers still was light-hearted.

“As long as you beat the cocky guy, it’s all good,” said Midland sophomore Sam Sheets.

SURVIVING 36 HOURS OF GAMING

For many, the real challenge of the event was staying awake.

Although Kulhavi 142 was set aside as a location for people to sleep, several gamers attempted to stay up for the entire event.

“I’m going to play games for two days straight,” Sheridan said Friday.

Many of the gamers chose to stay awake using energy drinks like Monster, Red Bull and Mountain Dew.

“I plan to be running off caffeine and adrenaline,” Johnson said.

Food was not an issue, either. Three meals were provided by Big Shot Gaming on Saturday with many gamers also bringing their own food.

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