[Benji]

Something that i had to to explain to some of the Xeria guys, and I assume other SC2 gamers in Sydney what the difference is between an event like SGL and a regular event like a City Hunter comp. I'm finding it hard to get it across to them, so I figure I'll do a quick writeup for those attending SGL so they understand the difference.

I imagine SGL could be the first LAN event for a few people, and I am by no means an expert on this topic so any input by LAN experts is appreciated here.

The differences:

Regular Tournament (eg: City Hunter events)



- Computers provided
- Usually held in an Internet Cafe
- Event is held purely for the Tournament
- Usually begins in a morning and finishes later in the day
- Most people at the venue are there for the tournament

LAN Event (eg: SGL, Respawn)



- BYOC (Bring your own Computer)
- Usually held at a location unassociated with Computers and gaming (ie: a Hall or Uni)
- Event is held for the social aspect, of gaming with other gamers
- Gamers at the events attend for many reasons, sometimes just to hang out and have fun playing LAN games, sometimes for one of the many Tournaments and sometimes to just fileshare
- Usually held over 2 days, and attendees usually go the full period without sleeping (which is why comps are scheduled at all hours)
- The Tournaments are NOT a focus of the event, and whilst alot of time and admining will be put into them, don't expect everyone at the venue to care at all about the SC2 tournament


My Tips for first timers:

- Get sleep the night before, try and sleep in until you need to leave for the venue, you want to be well rested. If you show up after getting to sleep at 4am and only getting 5 hours rest, you're pretty screwed
- Don't plan anything on the Sunday Night, you will be tired, and you will probably want to sleep.
- Bring energy drinks (I hear V is pretty good :P ), you'll need them to stay alert when the SC2 1v1 event hits the early hours of the morning and to stay alert for the second day
- If you insist on sleeping (ie: you're soft and are too weak to bring some cement to harden up), you'll need to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow etc and find your own floorspace to sleep. I do not recommend doing this at all, sleep is for the weak. There will be plenty of fun things to do in the early hours of the morning, TF2 anyone? :P

- There will be a LOT of other gamers there, ranging from 'HAY MINECRAFT' to Pro gamers of other games. Show respect, its easy to get into the mindset of 'Hey, SC2 is the hardest game around, everyone else is bad'. You might think TF2 pros require no skill, but consider that whilst their Micro and Macro aren't as good as ours, their teamwork and reaction skills completely blow ours out of the water. Show respect to other gamers and even socialize with them, We want to grow eSports, not just SC2 and by being the elitist community we don't help ourselves when LAN organizers are planning prizes and tourneys for future events.

- Play in other comps. Check out the comp schedule (http://www.sgl.org.au/resources/SGL%...mpetitions.jpg) and whilst most of us are there for the 1v1, there's a ton of time when it is NOT going on where you might want to play in another comp. Maybe your TF2 skills are decent, have some fun and play in that too, sure you probably won't win (Just like you don't expect randoms to win the SC2 one) but have some fun, and meet some other gamers. Yes Glade, there's even a WC3 comp for you Still got the skills?

- Drink in moderation, there is a Barcraft there, and enjoy a drink or 2 and enjoy some Starcraft, but don't get completely drunk, it isn't fun for everyone else and you might even end up being ejected

- Update and install all your games that you require. I imagine most peoples SC2's are up to date, but check your Steam for your main games (MW3, CS, TF2 etc) and make sure they are patched before you go to the event, you might want to play them.

- Firewall your computer and check your network access. There will be hundreds of computers there, don't risk getting a virus.

- Have fun

Quick Comments

	TAriiChard:	ty for the tips
	breadfan:	nice!
	nirvAnA:	well written and helpful!
	|Erasmus|:	Just because you used the photo with me in it...
	deL:
	Dox: