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Quake Wars admits: no cross-platform online play
Makers of Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, id Software, have come out saying that the title will not feature cross-platform online play. Kevin Cloud said "Console players will not play against PC players...Consoles require a certain [adaptation], and that wasn't something that we wanted to take on." What he means is that it would be difficult to keep a level playing field between consoles and PCs. Because not all consoles support the keyboard/mouse combo. However, don't think the console versions of the game will be handicapped in any way -- they're going to be the same as the PC version. Both will feature the neat action with little bits of RTS features to fight against... you guessed it, maniacal enemy creatures that want to destroy. Look for the game later this year on the PC, PS3, and XBox 360.
No cross-plat play for Quake Wars
CVG reports that id's Kevin Cloud has confirmed that cross-platform play will not be featured in the upcoming Enemy Territory: Quake Wars for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. According to Cloud, the concept is possible, but requires too many tweaks to each platform in order to level the playing field. We imagine Cloud is referring to the advantage of a mouse and keyboard on PC (and potentially PS3). The mouse obviously offers an aim advantage, and the keyboard could provide plenty of shortcuts for the game's RTS like features. Cloud does mention, however, that id is striving to make sure that the overall Quake Wars experience will be maintained across all platforms. Well, thank God. Expect Quake Wars to debut some time this year.
id Software CEO: piracy pushed us multiplatform
At an early session Friday, id Software CEO Todd Hollenshead gave a lecture on the problems of piracy on the internet. During his speech, Hollenshead revealed that, although they are still primarily a PC developer, id Software had begun to look at console game releases as a way to financially combat piracy. "Piracy has pushed id as being multiplatform," Hollenshead said, noting that the current project Enemy Territory: Quake Wars is being scheduled for release on PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Hollenshead's rationale is that console piracy is, by a large factor, minimal relative to the rampant PC piracy. In Hollenshead's lecture, entitled "The Videogame Piracy Problem: Fifteen Men on a Dead Man's Chest," was a discussion on the problems of piracy, his company's experiences with the issues, and suggestions to help the diffuse the issue.
id software showing some cautious Wii interest
In an interview with GameDaily, id Software's Director of Business Development Steve Nix spoke a little about the Wii. While he had nothing but praise for what the Wii is doing to grow the gaming market, he also remarked that id's latest works couldn't perform on the less powerful console. He didn't close off any chance of the company's franchises appearing on the console, however; Nix said that "some" of their brands could show up on the Wii, even though "there's just not a lot of horsepower there." While Nix indicated that these might be "older technology," don't expect a rough port if any of id's games make a Wii showing. He was careful to stress the care id Software will take if they do work on a Wii title. As they are cautiously interested, so are we cautiously optimistic about id on Wii.
Doom's surly protagonist becomes art project
That's one zoomed space marine. An article on Videoludica discusses the latest work of one Damiano Colacito, said to be one of the most interesting contributors to the Italian Game Art scene. His "Face of Doom" exhibit, which opened the XXIII International Festival of Sarajevo, is comprised of Doom's HUD (heads-up display) being projected onto a war-damaged Hotel Europa.As Flynn "Doomguy" Taggart endures damage, his face slowly transforms from that of a stern space marine into something more closely resembling an exceedingly displeased hamburger. Fans of Doom would certainly recognize the various levels of pain and bloody torment expressed by the silent protagonist, but what they might not be aware of is how those tie into the history of the hotel and the war that left it in ruins. As Doomguy grows visibly anguished and upset, so grows the metaphor for the people in Sarajevo and their reactions to seeing the destructive effects of war. The video ends on an upbeat note, however -- Doomguy's health is restored, calling forth " the proverbial phoenix that rises from its ashes." [Via GameSetWatch]
Quake DS conversion released
It's been a while since we heard about the homebrew DS port of Quake. But now the coder, Simon Hall, has emerged from his Tower of Porting Ordeals and made his work available for public consumption! If you have a DS flash card and a copy of Quake for the PC (shareware or full version!) then in just a few short minutes you could be on your way to playing a flat-shaded, slow, imperfectly-emulated, but still undeniably Quakey Quake! We are willing to cut them some slack on the technical issues, since the release is still a work in progress, and the fact that it works at all is keen. They've also added touchscreen camera control and the ability to toggle god mode with the R button! We have great memories of playing multiplayer Quake at one of those pay-by-the-hour LAN gaming centers at our 16th birthday party. We also have great memories of playing our DS earlier today. Seeing the two come together is just blissful. We love the ingenuity of the homebrew community. We're going to crank up the Nine Inch Nails and get to installing.[Thanks, wraggster!]
Enemy Territory: Quake Wars coming to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
Id Software is rounding up the old gang, or gangs in this case, to develop Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 ports of the highly anticipated (and nebulously dated) PC-shooter, Enemy Territory: Quake Wars. Id's fellow Dallasites at Nerve Software, who previously worked on other Id projects like Return to Castle Wolfenstein: Tides of War for Xbox and DOOM 3: Resurrection of Evil for the PC and Xbox, will be responsible for bringing the title to the Xbox 360 platform while Activision's very own Z-Axis, who most notably delivered Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX, will handle PlayStation 3 duties. The press release reveals that the console versions will feature 16-player multiplayer, whereas the PC version is slated to feature 24-players. Nevertheless, we're heartened that the game -- which is being produced by Id Software but developed by Splash Damage -- will be coming to both of the obvious new-gen systems despite John Carmack's rather outspoken feelings on the console wars. It should come as no surprise that there is no date for any of the releases, but we're sticking with Activision's guess of "before Christmas." %Gallery-1618%
Quake Wars confirmed for Xbox 360
Id Software confirmed today that Quake Wars: Enemy Territory will be arriving on the Xbox 360. The 360 version is being developed by Nerve Software, best known for their expansions to games like Doom 3 and Return to Castle Wolfenstein. Quake Wars sets players in an epic struggle between humanity and a malicious alien race known as the Strogg. The game will support up to 16 players and features strategic team play, deployable structures, and both land and air vehicles. Players can choose from five different classes and will enjoy persistent character promotions and plenty of online stat tracking. Quake Wars is expected as early as April 2007 for the PC; hopefully we won't be waiting too long for the 360 version. Keep in mind though, this is an id Software title, so "it's done when it's done®." [Thanks, DarkSaviour69]
Quake Wars by March 2008, as early as April '07
Activision's latest financial reports reveal that Enemy Territory: Quake Wars is now positioned in the broad release window of the "fiscal year 2008." While that could imply a major delay (as late as March 2008), it could also mean that Quake Wars is on schedule for an early, in this case April (2007) launch. A previous, but unconfirmed delay last year pushed the game's release from fall 2006 to spring 2007. An Activision spokesperson told Eurogamer that Quake Wars is expected before Christmas, adding ominously, but "it's an id Software title so it's done when it's done."
Not-so-secret projects probed
FiringSquad has done its best to out 18 high-profile "black ops" projects currently in development. While the site's sleuthing skills might not be up to par with Mr. Holmes', the report does a good job of rounding up under-the-radar titles that are begging for some attention.We'd like to direct the spotlight on two studios in particular: Tim Schafer's DoubleFine and Bungie expats Wideload, which are responsible for Psychonauts and Stubbs the Zombie, respectively (both titles landed in our top 10 'gems' of last generation). The two developers are hard at work on new projects; and with DoubleFine striking a publishing deal with Vivendi, its next game is sure to stir up more buzz (when it's time) than Majesco managed to generate for Psychonauts. Also, we can't wait to see what Warren Spector and Junction Point have under lock and key. Keep those ears (and eyes) glued to the street!
Carmack blasts Vista gaming initiative
id Software's John Carmack isn't ready for his studio to make the jump to Windows Vista. "Nothing is going to help a new game by going to a new operating system. There were some clear wins going from Windows 95 to Windows XP for games, but there really aren't any for Vista," Carmack recently told Game Informer during a lengthy interview, which also featured id colleague Todd Hollenshead.While Carmack remains keen on Xbox 360, he thinks the Vista initiative is bogus, accusing Microsoft of using the new OS's "artificial" tie with DirectX 10 to lure consumers (and developers). "They're really grasping at straws for reasons to upgrade the operating system. I suspect I could run XP for a great many more years without having a problem with it," concluded Carmack. Good news for those content with XP.[Via GamesIndustry.biz]See also: Games for Windows Vista: how the new brand & OS will change PC gaming
John Carmack taps DS for latest game
In a brief interview with Game|Life's Chris Kohler, the lead ego at id Software (psychology joke!) expresses interest in porting one of his recent cellphone titles to Nintendo's touchy-feely portable. John Carmack explains that the potential port of Orcs and Elves (not to be confused with long-rumored comedy adventure, Orko and ALF) would be enhanced and would represent his first step back into the historically colorful lands of Nintendo. Carmack recalls that "we were always just kind of peeved at the whole Nickelodeon censor arrangement with Nintendo. So we've kept them at arm's length for many console generations now." Thankfully, Nintendo has long since embraced limb-severing violence and is unlikely to inject bizarre green blood into Carmack's tale of swords, sorcery and ... is that Smaug?
Rumor: XBLA is Doomed again
Recently spotted on the ESRB's website were ratings for Xbox 360 versions of Ultimate DOOM and Final DOOM (they're both rated M by the way). Ultimate Doom is technically already available on Xbox Live Arcade, as it is merely DOOM with an added fourth episode, "Thy Flesh Consumed." Even though the Arcade rendition is known only as DOOM, it does contain the fourth episode. Final DOOM, on the other hand, would be a new entry on the Xbox 360. Containing 2 new 32 level episodes, "Evilution" and "The Plutonia Experiment," Final DOOM is an expansion of DOOM II. We like us some DOOM, and a new expansion -- especially with some good multiplayer maps -- would be welcome, but we'd rather see some other FPS action first. And since you asked, we'd like to put in our vote for Heretic. There's nothing quite like turning your opponent into a chicken, is there?
DOOM possesses Xbox Live Arcade [update 1]
DOOM is now available on Xbox Live Arcade ... well, go get it! Update: Reader Dylan Copeland has brought to our attention that we promised to name drop whoever guessed the mystery XBLA game. Right you are, Dylan. Congrats to Ed for being the first to guess correctly that DOOM was the mystery game (and being the second comment on the post altogether). Honorable mention to Dylan Copeland for also guessing correctly and reminding us of our promise. And, by the way, the full game, as most of you know by now, is 800 points.
XBLA gets DOOM today, Soccer later
Id software's classic first-person shooter DOOM will be available for download on Xbox Live Arcade today for 800 MS points ($10 US). The game will include the full, four-chapter single player game. Co-op and deathmatch modes will be available via split screen or online via Xbox Live. Coming soon will be Sensible World of Soccer, based on the 1994 Amiga title of the same name. The game will allow you to play with the original graphics or an "updated, high-resolution look and feel." No word yet on a ranking system. Scott Henson, Director of the Game Development Group at Microsoft, did remind us that all Xbox Live titles are required to have a leaderboard. How players will be ranked, however, has yet to be determined.
American McGee gets episodic in Shanghai
American McGee is looking for a few dark, twisted types to join his new independent studio in Shanghai, as he prepares to ride the wave of two contemporary trends in the gaming industry: episodic content and Chinese food.With Bad Day L.A. set to launch soon, the man behind Alice and Scrapland is now focusing his attention on building "an episodic game set in a dark, fairy tale universe." This project could be related to Oz or Grimm, a pair of graphic novels McGee is producing with Cellar Door Publishing.A former game designer for id Software and Electronic Arts, McGee also founded The Mauretania Import Export Company, and has served as the Creative Director for Enlight Software.
Carmack's QuakeCon keynote highlights
On Friday, John Carmack gave his keynote address at the annual QuakeCon, devoting much of the presentation to id Software's next project. This new 3D action title will support multi-processor systems, and employ an updated version of the megatexture technology for the game's expansive outdoor environments.Carmack also reaffirmed his company's commitment to the PC, which involves fragging software piracy. For additional highlights, check out GameSpy's breakdown.See also: Quake Wars pushed back to 2007
id: Piracy killing PC gaming market
Next Generation reports that at a QuakeCon Q&A, id Software co-owner Kevin Cloud put some blame on why developers are shying away from the PC market and turning to the slightly less-hackable console market. Cloud is quoted as saying:"Piracy is hard. It's really -- from my opinion, destroying the PC market. ... when you look out there at the number of games that are getting pirated, it is just devastating. It's the primary reason retailers are moving to the console. It's something that's on every PC developer's mind -- on how to reduce [piracy]. Because, if you like the PC, you hate to see it fall lower and lower down." Todd Hollenshead, CEO of id, expressed similar concerns:"... the problem that this industry faces above all else is the piracy. There is about seventy-percent of the landmass of the world where you can't sell games in a legitimate market, because pirates will beat you to the shelves with your own game. ... you may literally have more games being played illegitimately than being played legitimately. So when you're giving up that much market to people who aren't paying for the games, or who are buying the games in ways in which the developers aren't getting paid for it, it creates a big challenge. Not only for the developers and publishers. But also for retailers, because they have to make bets when they buy their game inventory."But, this is not to say id will abandon the PC format. Cloud says that the company is still dedicated to producing games for the market.
MetaDoom: play Doom inside of Doom 3
Regardless of what it says about the merits of id's latest creepy corridor crawler, it is possible to play Doom 1 inside Doom 3. Why, you ask? It's not because Doom 3 is so dark, you'd rather play Doom 1 in the glow of a terminal screen; rather, the Terminal Doom project is a proof of concept study of "fully interactive surfaces." To that end, the mod creator writes, "In more than one respect, Terminal Doom itself is a dead end." Awww, but that doesn't mean you can't try it out. All you'll need is the retail version of Doom 3, either the shareware or retail version of Doom 1, and some patches and you're set to go. The in game arcade cabinets are pretty great also. [Via Waxy.org]
Quake Wars pushed back to 2007
The Strogg invasion originally planned for this holiday season has been postponed. Activision has confirmed that Enemy Territory: Quake Wars will not be shipping in 2006, which supports a comment made earlier this week by Splash Damage lead designer Paul Wedgewood. In a GameSpy developer diary, Wedgewood wrote, "Unfortunately, sometimes effort isn't all you need -- sometimes you just need more time. To ensure the quality we want, we've decided to push the release out of 2006 to allow for extended testing, feedback and game balancing." We were impressed with the Quake Wars LAN demo at this year's E3, so it should be pretty solid by the time it ships.
