The University of Michigan Esports team recently hosted its semesterly Community Local Area Network (LAN) event, providing a space for students to gather, connect, and indulge in their shared passion for video games. The event, held in the Central Campus Classroom Building, attracted around 50 students who came together to play, learn, and experience the vibrant esports community on campus.

Bringing Gamers Together in a Casual, Inclusive Setting

Embracing the LAN Legacy

The event's name, "Community LAN," is a nod to the way gamers used to gather in the past. Caedon Zube, the president of U-M Esports, explained the origins of the term: "They're called LANs for 'local area network,' where people used to get together and wire their computers together to play games without using Wi-Fi. That's not exactly what our LANs look like, but it's still the type of thing we theme them around."

Fostering Inclusivity and Accessibility

Giana Mae Anguiano, the U-M Esports director of event planning, emphasized the importance of creating an inclusive environment at the LAN event. "I saw that there was a need for more of the casual space, because people hear 'Michigan Esports' and they're like, 'I'm not good at video games, or not good enough to make the team,'" Anguiano said. "I feel like our club should be for all people who enjoy video games."

Continuous Improvement and Feedback

Anguiano also highlighted the team's commitment to continuously improving their events based on feedback from attendees. "I'll sit with our members at the end of the event and talk with them about what went well and what didn't, and then we can implement that into our next event," she said. This dedication to incorporating student input ensures that the LAN event remains responsive to the needs and preferences of the community.

Reaching New Audiences

The LAN event also provided an opportunity for other student organizations, such as the Alternate Reality Initiative, to showcase their offerings. Ashley Philip, the co-president of Alternate Reality Initiative, explained that the event allowed them to reach a new demographic of students who might not have had prior exposure to augmented reality and virtual reality technologies. "This will allow a new demographic of people who maybe don't have that type of experience to get exposed to the technology," Philip said.

Fostering In-Person Connections

While the event catered to the gaming community, it also welcomed those who were not necessarily avid gamers. Grace Chamberlain, an education student, appreciated the inclusive atmosphere, even though she did not actively participate in the gaming activities. "I am not that into gaming, so I didn't really participate that much, but I did like the atmosphere of the venue," Chamberlain said. "It was nice to get to meet some people that I probably otherwise wouldn't have met."

The Importance of In-Person Gatherings

Zube emphasized the significance of fostering in-person connections among Esports team members, rather than solely relying on online interactions. "Competing online is something that anybody can do," Zube said. "You can teach yourself to play online, and you're never going to see these guys in person. You can talk over voice and win stuff. But the impact of being able to gather everybody in one space twice a year, see all your friends, and do what everybody loves to do in person is just massive. It's easily the most important thing that we do."The University of Michigan Esports LAN event exemplifies the team's commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive community for all students interested in gaming and technology. By fostering in-person connections, embracing feedback, and reaching out to diverse audiences, the event has become a cherished tradition that brings the campus community together in a shared celebration of their shared passions.