The LAN that time forgot

By Tina Liptai
Updated November 7 2012 - 1:58pm, first published September 20 2009 - 12:27pm
Travis Tierney plays a game watched by LAN of the Damned gamers (from left) Rod Sharam,  Ashley Brown,  Stephen Marsh,  Paul Stuckey,  Melissa Owen and  Ashley Wiese.  090920GW04 Picture: GLEN WATSON
Travis Tierney plays a game watched by LAN of the Damned gamers (from left) Rod Sharam, Ashley Brown, Stephen Marsh, Paul Stuckey, Melissa Owen and Ashley Wiese. 090920GW04 Picture: GLEN WATSON

AS many residents were sleeping in yesterday, the computers were still running hot as bleary-eyed gamers made the most of every remaining minute of a 26-hour multiplayer event.A total of 65 gamers from across Victoria took part in LAN of the Damned XXI from noon on Saturday until 2pm yesterday.Fuelled by energy drinks and 56 pizzas ordered by email the participants battled it out at the Warrnambool College hall.From 13-year-olds who were dropped off by their parents for just a few hours, to seasoned gamers in for the long haul, everyone had their game face on.While most players were from the south-west, one dedicated pair travelled all the way from Lakes Entrance for the event.Melissa Owen and Ashley Wiese, both formerly of Hamilton, said the LAN (local area network) party was the perfect opportunity to head back to the south-west and catch up with friends.One of only seven girls at the event, Miss Owen said she didn't enjoy the same games as the boys but the social aspect of the event was worth staying up for.``I like role playing games, like World of Warcraft,'' she said. ``I slept from about four to seven (am) in my chair.''Co-organiser Rodney Sharam said he was pleased with the turnout, although the event was relatively small compared to some in Geelong and Adelaide which attracted between 200 and 300 players. ``Everybody seemed to be having a great time,'' he said.

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