It’s that time again, and we’ve got some very exciting updates for this year’s LAN. Every year we try to grow and improve the event and this year we have probably the biggest changes we’ve ever had.

VENUE

We are very excited to announce a new potential venue for this year’s LAN. For years we have had our eyes on Fortress as a dream venue, and this year we have been given a unique opportunity to work with them. With Fortress we can provide a better experience for players and spectators, and we can hold a bigger and better LAN.

In trying to reach out to small communities like ours, Fortress has developed a grassroots initiative. This means that we can afford to hold our event there without having to pay full price for the hire, and we can avoid passing the cost on to the spectators and players. We are still working out finer details with them - and we cannot wait to provide you all with updates as they come in.

QUALIFIERS

The Alienware Arena has a reduced capacity for players as an events venue rather than an internet cafe, which means we’ve had to make some tough decisions regarding tournament structure. In making these decisions, we’ve considered what will be best for both players and for spectators, and how to make this process as fair as possible.

The first and second place team from LDU 2023 will be invited again to compete in 2024, automatically qualifying. All other teams wanting to compete at Fortress will have to play for their spot in online qualifiers before LAN. If any invited teams do not accept their place, the next team from qualifiers will be invited.

While we understand this is a significant change from previous years, this is the solution we have decided on to ensure the best LAN possible. Anyone who doesn’t play though should not be disheartened because this LAN will still have a lot to offer! Registrations for the Qualifier is open now on ozfortress, and will close Sunday the 12th of May at 11:59PM AEST.

SPECTATORS

This year we want to put a bigger focus on the spectator experience. As we will have a reduced number of teams, it’s important to us that everyone will still have the best time possible at the event. This means we have big things in the works - games, prizes, interviews and more. Not to mention that Fortress has food and drinks on site, which we can enjoy during LAN (RESPONSIBLY).

There has never been a better time to be a spectator at LDU, and we are excited to make it all about you guys.

WHAT’S NEXT

While we organise all the finer details and confirm everything for July, you guys can start forming those teams and practicing for qualifiers. We will be providing updates as we get them, as we know there is still a lot to determine. I’m sure there will be questions so feel free to pop them in #lanfortress on Discord!