By john Before global online infrastructure became reliable, multiplayer gaming often relied on Local Area Networks (LAN). Players gathered physically to connect computers yy4d and compete in the same space. While effective, LAN gaming limited participation to local communities.
The expansion of global internet access gradually replaced LAN dependency. Online servers allowed players to compete across cities, countries, and continents. This shift removed geographical barriers and transformed multiplayer gaming into a global activity.
The transition was not immediate. Early online play suffered from lag and instability, making LAN gaming preferable for competitive scenes. Over time, infrastructure improvements made global online play viable, scalable, and reliable.
This shift also changed social dynamics. Gaming moved from physical gatherings to digital communities. Online friendships replaced local rivalries, and global competition became the norm. Multiplayer gaming evolved into a worldwide network of players.
Historically, the move from LAN to global online play marked the moment when gaming truly became borderless, setting the stage for today’s interconnected digital culture.