'As critics tout dark visions of computers driving people apart, these hard-core gamers prove that communities--even virtual ones--need physical interaction in order to flourish. As the slogan of the Bay Area Network Gaming Group proclaims, “A scream should be heard, not typed.”

“The best game experience is not on the Net, and I think people are starting to realize that,” said Cliff Bleszinski, a lead game producer with Epic MegaGames. “You can’t look over at the person you just beat. You can’t go out to get a beer afterward. You rarely get to actually talk to the people you’re playing against. You may as well be playing against the machine.” '

The best part of this article. LAN parties seem almost extinct with the convenience of online gaming today. That's both a good and bad thing. I remember lugging a CRT TV and Xbox or a laptop to small parties. Usually with a case of mountain dew in tow. I miss the joy and adventure of playing in person. But I also enjoy connecting with people who have moved away in the comfort of my home. It makes me sad that the current and future generation won't get to experience this.