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Quake Zero announced: Free browser-based Quake 3
During its QuakeCon 2007 press conference, id Software announced plans to form a second development team tasked with creating Quake Zero, an updated, possibly sugar-free version of Quake 3: Arena. The 'Zero' in the title refers to the game's price tag -- it'll be made available for free (supported by advertising dollars, natch) and playable in web browsers for PC and Mac, reports Shacknews. Said id Software CEO Todd Hollenshead, "We appreciate what you guys have done over the years in building the popularity of [Quake 3]. "We also like 'free.'" We'll keep you informed as to when you can expect to play Quake Free, er, Zero.
id announces Quake Arena for Xbox Live Arcade
The finest railgun in the business will be making its way to Xbox Live Arcade as id announces Quake Arena for Microsoft's download service. Previously, this release was merely a rumor fueled by a surprise listing on the ESRB website, so it's great to finally have an official word to go on.Also true to the ESRB listing is that Pi Studios -- best known for their work on the Call of Duty series and the upcoming Mercaneries 2: World in Flame -- is behind the port.No comment as to when Quake Arena will see release was made by id.
New id FPS needs two discs on 360, one Blu-ray on PS3
idTech is real ... and it will finally arrive in a brand new game, Rage. Simultaneously developed for PC, Mac, PS3, and 360, Rage will use the second generation of id's "Megatexture" technology. What does that mean? 20GB worth of texture information will be squeezed through the engine's technology to deliver visually stunning scenes. Regardless of the compression, the game will require two DVDs for all platforms ... but the PS3.The need for added space in the HD-era of games is clear. Blu-ray's added storage allows the game to run on a single disc. The game itself is a departure for id, where it will try to combine "60 percent shooting and 40 percent driving." After a comet smashes into the Earth, players will have to fight the monsters that roam the wasteland.id plans to make Rage a 20 hour single player experience, and plans to offer co-op. Also, in a surprising change of pace, their aiming for a suspiciously safe Teen rating. The game will ship "when it's done."[Thanks, Karl W.!]
id Software dubs new game 'Rage'
Unveiled in June at Apple's WWDC conference, id Software's new IP has been finally given a proper identity at QuakeCon 2007 -- and it's not Return to Quoom 3D. Shacknews reports that Rage, the first game to be built upon the id Tech 5 graphics engine, will feature a strong driving element through expansive outdoor environments, in addition to the frenzied firing of unnecessarily large weapons that gamers have come to expect from the developer. Speaking at a QuakeCon keynote, id co-founder and programmer John Carmack noted, "Everybody knows we're going to do a good job with the run and gun action stuff...but we are branching out."Carmack did not specify which platforms he'd be unleashing the Rage upon, but explained that the game and its obscenely large textures would be shipping on two DVD discs (day and night cycles confirmed!) and one Blu-ray disc. We reckon that implies the same platforms id targeted for their new engine at the WWDC conference, namely PS3, Xbox 360, PC and Mac. We'll be sure to let you know once platforms have been officially designated.
Rumor: id to go with Steam [update 1]
Update: This news has been confirmed.The latest murmurings from this weekend's QuakeCon suggest that id Software will be announcing a deal with Valve to distribute titles via Steam. Quakecon is currently going strong and lasts until August 5. Should such a deal surface, it'd be interesting to see game engine competitors working together for distribution. However, since Half-Life was developed using a modified version of id's Quake engine, it's as if the Circle of Life is coming together.Other rumors from QuakeCon include a return to the Commander Keen franchise as a flagpole for their id Tech 5 engine ... okay, we just made that up, but we can dream, right?
Watch Left 4 Dead 4 6 minutes
We hate zombies with the fiery, white-hot intensity of 1,000 seat belt buckles left too long in the August sun, so we're glad to see any footage of their foul breed being wholesale slaughtered, as in this new six-minute clip of Left 4 Dead shot at QuakeCon. This looks to be a good simulation of what we believe it will be like when the zombies come for us and the people we love ... and they will. We imagine that, especially when the fat zombie is splattered all over the pavement, you will feel something primal awaken within you, an instinct pushing you to kill the approaching undead threat. Know that you are not alone, and give thanks that cruel evolution has not deadened what will one day be the most crucial of impulses.
id says new game's genre won't be a shock
Though you might have had some fun imagining what an id-made cart racer would be like when you saw the dune buggies and zeppelins of their WWDC demo of id Tech 5, the company is trying to pull fans back to earth a bit in a new interview with Shacknews. "We're always looking to broaden the gameplay, but people aren't going to be shocked. You shouldn't expect an RTS or a fighting game or something, [laughs]" said id director of business development Steve Nix. "People are going to like what they see, but it's not going to be shocking." God, and we were so close to pre-ordering Flaming Disembodied Head Hero. Well, at least QuakeCon starts this week. Hopefully we'll have some answers soon. (Psst -- We'd put our money on first person shooter. Don't tell anyone.)[Via CVG]
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
