rAge Expo is just around the corner, and that means we should already start prepping for all the awesomeness that comes with it. With dozens of tech, geek and gadgety booths planned for the new venue and the epic BYOC NAG Lan, there are heaps to be excited about.
Since the event has moved to the Johannesburg Expo Centre this year, we thought it might be a good idea to poke our noses into Michael James’ face and find out what’s new, what’s not, and what else we can expect from the NAG Lan side of things. For anyone unaware, Mr James is the head honcho for all things rAge Expo, or as his email signature says, “Project Director”.
The basics are pretty simple, so let’s cover those first.
The NAG Lan will take place during the rAge Expo event over the weekend from the 29th of November to the 1st of December. For the real lanners out there, the super pass grants you entry into the event on Thursday night, the 28th of November. Regular passes will run you back R950, while the Super pass is going for R1,250. You can pick up either of these over at Howler. Don’t forget that grabbing yourself a Lan ticket also grants you access to the expo across the full three days, and, you get a free one-day pass to the expo to gift to a friend.
The biggest thing we all wanted to know this year was why the venue change. Previously, the event was held at the Gallagher Convention Center, but gamers and geeks will unite at NASREC this year. James says the main reasons for the change this year are space and flexibility: “Johannesburg Expo Centre is massive, and with connected halls, conference rooms, and wide-open outdoor spaces, it gives us more opportunities to grow the event. JEC also allows us to offer a much, much wider range of food and beverage options to cater to everyone’s taste.”
When it comes to the LAN itself, we also wanted to find out what sort of entertainment we could expect during the weekend. Of course, there will be hours upon hours of games played, and series watched, but what about those who are looking for a little bit of a sweaty session? James said, “We’re working with our partners to bring some fun and casual tournaments to the LAN and will communicate all the necessary info closer to the event once everything has been finalised.”
You could always run a small competition yourself, though, and offer up someone’s old shoes as the grand prize.
To take part in all the action, you will need to bring your rig or console along with you. Just remember that you’re sharing the space with hundreds of other lanners, so your 49-inch beast of a monitor won’t be allowed in. Instead, bring something more personal boundary friendly. A full LAN FAQ will be released soon stating exactly what can and can’t be brought, or you could pop into the rAge Expo Discord and ask the team in there if you have any specific questions.
If you’re worried about security, James told us that they will be using the same security company that’s been with them from the start. The team ensures that safety is one of their top priorities, but keeping items secure starts with the lanner, so make sure you have all your portable goods stored in your on-body fanny pack for extra coolness. There will also be safe, on-site parking close to the LAN hall for lanners to use to their heart’s content.
Having your car so close by also means you can set it up as a nice, comfy spot to catch a nap for the night if you decide not to do a full 72-hour stint. If your car is a bit small, though, there will be a dedicated chill space that offers a bit of peace and quiet.
For everyone—yes, we mean you too, you sweaty little gamer. The new venue will also have dedicated shower areas, and James says they’re also in talks with sponsors to organise neat little hygiene packs for everyone at the Lan this year.
Overall, hosting rAge Expo at the Johannesburg Expo Centre this year has us all very excited about what could be on offer from the event this year. With the added flexibility and size compared to Gallagher, who knows, perhaps this is the year everyone brings a buddy to the NAG BYOC Lan and doubles the numbers for an epic weekend of gaming.
So, do yourself a favour and grab that NAG BYOC Lan ticket, and we’ll catch you at rAge Expo for a really awesome gaming weekend!