Joystiq

Wolfenstein 3D celebrating its 20-year history by going free on browsers, iOS

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:30:00 EST

Yesterday, Wolfenstein 3D was a measly 19 years and 364 days old. Puh-shaw, we say. Today, however, the game is a full 20 years old, and id Software is throwing the classic FPS a celebration. Rather than sending all the game's fans party hats and individual slices of cake, though, id's ported Wolf 3D to web browsers, making it totally free!

But perhaps you're not around a computer at the moment, and you'd prefer to play on the go? id's got that covered too, making the iOS port of Wolfenstein 3D free for today only (the iTunes page still reflects a $1.99 price as of this writing, but Bethesda says it'll flip to free "later today").

Or maybe you've already played Wolf 3D more than you'll ever need to? Creator John Carmack recorded a director commentary aimed at superfans of the series, which we've embedded just below the break. Let us know if he talks about rockets at all!

Continue reading Wolfenstein 3D celebrating its 20-year history by going free on browsers, iOS

Wolfenstein 3D celebrating its 20-year history by going free on browsers, iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quake 4 relaunches on June 19 for $20

David Hinkle — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST

The Xbox 360 is getting up there. Maybe you missed out on the Raven Software-deveolped Quake 4 during its initial launch, way back when in 2005? Bethesda is giving everyone a second chance to take on the Strogg this summer.

The Bethesda Blog has announced that the Xbox 360 version of Quake 4 is being re-released at a new $19.99 price point on June 19. Currently, the only ways to pick up a copy of Quake 4 are through Steam (on Windows PC) and at the bottom of your local game retailer's bargain bin.

Or maybe your cousin Carl? He told us he liked Quake once. Borrow his copy!

Quake 4 relaunches on June 19 for $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Id responds to alleged DOOM 4 image leak

Richard Mitchell — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST

Rumors began swirling earlier this week that Doom 4 had been canceled. Accompanying said rumors was a batch of supposed screenshots or artwork, one of which you can see above. In addition to refuting the cancellation rumors, id has now responded to the images as well.

While not directly denying their relationship to Doom 4, id's Matt Hooper, design director of Rage, tweeted that the images "have nothing to do with what you're gonna see in Doom 4." Hooper added, "When we officially show things you'll see awesome." Responding to another tweet, Hooper noted that when the official reveal is made, "fans will be happy." For what it's worth, the leaked images show what appears to be a ravaged planet Earth, perhaps giving a nod to Doom 2: Hell on Earth.

Id responds to alleged DOOM 4 image leak originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rage: Campaign Edition available on Mac for your pleasure, anger

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:15:00 EST

Rage has officially launched on Mac with the Campaign Edition, which includes the complete single-player campaign, the Wasteland sewer missions and Anarchy Edition content for $40. Rage: Campaign Edition is available through the Mac App Store, publisher Aspyr's Game Agent, and other Mac retailers (excluding Steam, it seems).

Obviously Rage: Campaign Edition doesn't include multiplayer, but we assume that's why it's not called Rage.

Rage: Campaign Edition available on Mac for your pleasure, anger originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rage HD adds melee combat, in-app purchases in 2.0 update

David Hinkle — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST

Shooting mutants? Psh, where's the challenge in that? Any Mutant Bash TV participant worth his weight in shotgun shells will tell you the true mark of great contestants is their ability to entertain the audience. Nothing makes for good programming like slicing and dicing some mutants!

Melee combat is just one of Rage HD's newest features in update 2.0. There are also two new episodes, Kraken and Aqueduct -- which players can purchase together for $.99 from the in-app store -- to play through and full iOS 5 support. And, for the best viewing experience, the app also supports HDMI out, in case you want to host your own Mutant Bash TV murder party.

Just, uh, don't tell people it's a murder party. They might get the wrong idea.

Rage HD adds melee combat, in-app purchases in 2.0 update originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rage walkthrough explores the murderous mysteries of Jackal Canyon

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST

You didn't think Rage was only about the relationship between a fallen-to-Earth Ark dweller and wasteland superhero John Goodman, did you? As this latest walkthrough can attest, it's also about carefully angling rockets to murder faraway goons. Oh, and wearing totally sweet deer antlers as a warrior helmet, naturally.

Rage walkthrough explores the murderous mysteries of Jackal Canyon originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Make some room for the Rage PC specs

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST

After peeping the minimum PC specs required for id Software's mutant shoot-a-thon, Rage, we realize that our plan to duct-tape six Eee PCs together might not work out. Head past the break and see for yourself.

Continue reading Make some room for the Rage PC specs

Make some room for the Rage PC specs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The plight of the flamethrower man, care of Rage

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 01:30:00 EST

Will the man with the flamethrower ever learn? As seen in the latest trailer for id Software's upcoming shooter, Rage, he clearly still hasn't. What's that, flamethrower man? You didn't realize your gas tank was explosive? Incorrigible, we say!

The plight of the flamethrower man, care of Rage originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Aug 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rage and Rage HD (iOS) free for a week

Justin McElroy — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:20:00 EST

We tend to give Facebook a lot of guff for its many, many menial labor simulators, but today, the social network gets a pass. As a way of thanking the 100,000 users that "Liked" the official Rage page on the service, id has made the iOS versions of the game (both classic and HD) free for the next week.

Our temporary Facebook armistice will, of course, be rescinded the moment someone invites us to join their mafia.

Rage and Rage HD (iOS) free for a week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buy Rage new and get free ... sewer access?

Justin McElroy — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:15:00 EST

Sewer levels are frequently some of the most maligned in any action game, but in Rage they're a bonus. In an interview with Eurogamer, id creative director Tim Willits said that sewer hatches scattered across the landscape would be open for those who bought the game new, a perk those buying used will have to pay for.

It's bound to irritate some fans, but Willits tried to soften the blow by downplaying the significance of the sewers, saying, "Most people never even see it. I can tell you, some people will buy Rage, download that, and still never set foot in those things. They just won't. I think that's fair. It's cool. It's outside the main path. We're not detracting from anything. But I know some consumers, when you can't avoid it, then you get a little touchy subject."

Used buyers, we know your inclination is to start fuming, but just look at those guys in the above image. Do you honestly want to poke around the sewers underneath their house?

Buy Rage new and get free ... sewer access? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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These Rage screens warn of a grizzled, bald future

David Hinkle — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 01:30:00 EST

id has sent along some new screens for Rage and they're quite grizzled. Meeting its quota for dirty bald dudes, this bundle of screens also packs a nice post-apocalyptic vista and a taste of future fashions. Deer horns as shoulder pads? Crazy!

Continue reading These Rage screens warn of a grizzled, bald future

These Rage screens warn of a grizzled, bald future originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rage preview: On the road again

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST

There are some very important things I want you to know right away about id Software's long-in-development id Tech 5 showcase, Rage.

It is, unequivocally, a first-person shooter first, everything else second. The car handling is fine, as is the RPG-esque quest delivery. But it's clear that the shooting is top priority.
It's absolutely gorgeous, but not in the Sherilyn Fenn kinda way. The destroyed landscape is rich with detail, strewn with settlements and towns that look appropriately lived in, full of weather-beaten characters that show more life than those found in other Bethesda-published games.
The combat and RPG elements come across in an engaging mixture. I was excited to explore each "dungeon" for loot, carefully making sure not to alert any dangerous gangs while killing strays with my silent blade.

In short, despite being another first-person shooter -- named "Rage," no less -- and despite the post-apocalyptic setting, I'd describe the three hours I spent venturing through this version of "The Wasteland" as a breath of fresh air.

Gallery: Rage (8/2/11 preview)

Continue reading Rage preview: On the road again

Rage preview: On the road again originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The violence-in-games debate 'didn't matter,' says Carmack

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST

People have been arguing about violence in video games for as long as video games have had violence for people to argue about, and few titles have come under as much sustained fire as Id Software's Doom. It would stand to reason then, that John Carmack, a man who was instrumental in the game's development and the FPS revolution that followed, would be chief among those most affected by the debate's wide-reaching ramifications. Not so much, it turns out.

"I never took seriously the violence in video games debate. It was basically talking points for people to get on CNN and espouse their stuff on there," he said, speaking with IndustryGamers. "In the end it didn't matter, it didn't make any impact on things. I never felt threatened by it and it turned out not to matter." Carmack also believes that violent games help calm agressive players and are, in-fact, good for us: "If you go to QuakeCon and you walk by and you see the people there [and compare that to] a random cross section of a college campus, you're probably going to find a more peaceful crowd of people at the gaming convention."

The violence-in-games debate 'didn't matter,' says Carmack originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rage 'The Dawn' trailer breaks over the horizon

Mike Schramm — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST

Most of what we've seen from Rage so far has looked like your typical post-apocalyptic world: Lots of dust, freaks trying to kill you, and plenty of junk laying around some redneck encampment. But this behind-the-scenes segment for the game, called "The Dawn," changes the tune a little bit; it turns out there's more to it than just the Borderlands-style dust fields.

There's some really good-looking city environments, for example, and a world savaged by an asteroid, of which you're a "special" survivor. There are dune buggies to race around, and a little bit of open world to explore. And yes, the freaks are still there, but there's also a group called The Authority trying to put the shackles on the world, and a Resistance trying to keep them off.

There's lots and lots of guns, too. We still don't see, however, just where Blake Griffin fits into the picture.

Rage 'The Dawn' trailer breaks over the horizon originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zenimax trademark 'Dishonored' points to potential new game

David Hinkle — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 07:00:00 EST

Bethesda Softworks parent company Zenimax has filed for an extension of a trademark for a potential new game called Dishonored. System Link just found the trademark, which extends to a few domain registrations -- all signs point to this being an unannounced game right now.

Everything else at this point is speculation, though we're fairly certain that Bethesda and id aren't involved -- both have Skyrim and Rage to worry about at present. Zenimax does own several other studios, however, including Machinegames Sweden AB, Tango Gameworks, Arkane Studios and Vir2L Studios, any of whom could be tapped for this project.

Finally, let's not forget Zenimax Online Studios, the parent company's MMO developer formed in 2007 ... right around when the trademark was first filed. Coincidence?

Zenimax trademark 'Dishonored' points to potential new game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quake Live 'Premium Pak 4' update adds new maps, new server settings

David Hinkle — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST

Browser-based frag-em-up Quake Live keeps chugging along, as id's gone and announced the addition of some new premium content. Through "Premium Pak 4," players can access two new maps (Evolution and Three Story), along with 20 new premium awards and some advanced server mechanics, allowing players to customize matches by setting certain modifiers on or off -- runes, gravity, weapon switch speed and more. Finally, the introductory match against Crash has been removed for new players, who will instead be "placed in an assessment period before skill matching begins to take place." We're sure Crash is most happy about that new feature.

If you're lost on all of this talk of "premium," then you likely missed out on the new subscriptions. Read up on that here and be sure to hit the link below if you're looking for the full patch notes. Or just hit up Quake Live if you're looking to shoot some stuff. Don't be embarrassed: we all feel that way every now and again.

Quake Live 'Premium Pak 4' update adds new maps, new server settings originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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id: RAGE would've been rushed 'if we weren't part of the Zenimax family'

David Hinkle — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 21:30:00 EST

The acquisition of id Software by Zenimax Media brought with it a slew of strong brands, but perhaps the most important is its 2011 game, RAGE. During an interview with GI.biz, id Software creative director Tim Willits brought up how important the game is to the developer internally: "There is a lot riding on it, we need to make sure it's great. Don't f**k it up!"

But it's also pretty important to Zenimax that id be allowed to take its time. "I can tell you that if we weren't part of the Zenimax family, we'd be trying to rush this game out," Willits revealed. "So it's so nice being able to say, 'let's ship it next year, let's get the multiplayer awesome, let's get the game as great as we can make it.' Without their support, I honestly think that RAGE would not be as good as it's going to be."

For Willits and id, the game isn't so much going to be a singular experience -- the developer is looking to create an overall experience where the goal is to make the player "feel that things happened before you got there and that things will happen after you leave." Star Wars is referenced as influence, yet Willits also mentioned possible DLC tie-ins and two different iPhone games as additional means to flesh out the universe.

Another indication of RAGE's importance internally is how many people id has working on it: over 60 people. "Quake 2 we did with 13. Quake 3 with about 23. Doom 3 with about 38, I think, now on Rage we're past 60, and that's just the Rage team. It's still small, but it's big for us."

id: RAGE would've been rushed 'if we weren't part of the Zenimax family' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quake Arena Arcade finally submitted to Australian ratings board

David Hinkle — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

We've been talking about Quake Arena on Xbox Live for -- wow, has it been three years? -- and we still haven't heard much on the game since id told us back in February that the game was "very close" to being finished. Now it's popped up on the Australian Classification Database, indicating that there just may be a bit of light at the end of this incredibly long, incredibly dark tunnel.

We've fired off some missives to the appropriate parties for comment and will let you know what we hear back. And if you're looking to get a taste of what's in store for Xbox Live, then you may want to get acquainted with Quake Live.

Quake Arena Arcade finally submitted to Australian ratings board originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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id's Carmack wants to support current franchises, new IPs unlikely

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Rage represents a rather large milestone for Carmack's id team. Not only is it the first game to use id Tech 4, it's the first id game to be published by new owner Bethesda. It's also the first new IP from the team in over a decade, since 1996's release of Quake. If a recent interview in the Official PlayStation Magazine (via CVG) is to be believed, it's likely that the new new IP from id will be just as far away.

"I doubt we're going to do another IP," Carmack told OPM. "We want to support Wolfenstein, Doom and Quake -- and hopefully we can add Rage onto that. ... Obviously, if Rage is a success then we'll want to do a Rage 2." Considering the lengthy development cycles at id (evidenced by the currently-MIA Doom 4) who knows when the next new IP will bubble out of the company?

Especially with that Commander Keen reboot getting in the way, right?

id's Carmack wants to support current franchises, new IPs unlikely originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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QuakeCon: Rage to be released Sept. 13, 2011 in the US, Sept. 15 in Europe

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

id Software just announced during a QuakeCon live presentation that Rage will be hitting store shelves on September 13, 2011 in the US and September 15, 2011 in Europe. Kotaku reports on the release date via its liveblog, highlighting one of the reasons the game still has another year of development time -- the Xbox 360 version crashed during the presentation.

If you're really itching to jump into Rage's universe, the iPhone/iPad version of the game will launch sometime this year. That could help tide you over until the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC versions arrive next September.

Gallery: Rage (QuakeCon)

QuakeCon: Rage to be released Sept. 13, 2011 in the US, Sept. 15 in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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QuakeCon pack on Steam: Every id and Bethesda game for $70

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:30:00 EST

Well, every id and Bethesda game available on Steam, anyway. The QuakeCon 2010 Pack contains enough games to choke a Cacodemon, including titles from the Quake, Doom, Heretic and Elder Scrolls series, Fallout 3 and more. Oh, and also Rogue Warrior. But hey, you still get 27 games for only $70, a savings of over $230.

In related news, the prices of several id mobile games have been slashed as well. Doom Classic and Doom Resurrection have both dropped to a wallet-pleasing $1.99, while Doom 2 RPG and Wolfenstein 3D Classic Platinum have both been knocked down to $0.99. Snag 'em from the App Store quick, because the sale ends August 15.

QuakeCon pack on Steam: Every id and Bethesda game for $70 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Voodoo Dice, Ben 10, Doom 2

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 26 May 2010 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: X3F TV

Three utterly disparate games on XBLA this Week. Whether you prefer blasting demons, transforming into aliens or ... rolling dice, there's something here for you. This week on XBLA in Brief, we try out Voodoo Dice, Ben 10 and Doom 2 -- a puzzle game, platformer and FPS, respectively. One important note: Doom 2 is the only one with a chainsaw (as far as we know).

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Xbox.com: Add Voodoo Dice trial version to your Xbox 360 download queue
Xbox.com: Add Ben 10 trial version to your Xbox 360 download queue
Xbox.com: Add Doom 2 trial version to your Xbox 360 download queue

X3F TV -- XBLA in Brief: Voodoo Dice, Ben 10, Doom 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Interview: Jason Kim talks RAGE

Kevin Kelly — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:28:00 EST

What does a video game producer do? Well, the brutally honest Jason Kim from id's RAGE summed it up for us. "I'm just a producer; I don't make anything that actually shows up in the game." So there you have it! Okay, we're kidding (slightly). It's a producer's task on a game to make sure everything is running smoothly, that schedules are being met, budgets being adhered to, all so that one day the game can end up on your system of choice. That's no small task.

Kim has been working on RAGE at id for the past several years, and has seen the project move from EA, to being an internally developed project at id, and now on to Bethesda. He's definitely enthusiastic about the project (and the word megatexture), and you can read on beyond the break for the full interview with him were he talks about the game, and why a lot of developers seem to be using the post-apocalyptic realm as a backdrop.

Gallery: Rage (05/04/10)

Continue reading Interview: Jason Kim talks RAGE

Interview: Jason Kim talks RAGE originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Impressions: RAGE

Kevin Kelly — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:30:00 EST

RAGE is a gorgeous game. The Xbox 360 version of id's post-apocalyptic shooter, running at 60 frames per second, stunned at a recent Bethesda event, and removed any doubts as to whether the idTech 5 engine would hold up nearly three years after the game's unveiling.

RAGE's story starts in the near future: a giant asteroid is heading towards Earth, and rather than launch a team of wacky oil-rig drillers at the problem, the governments of the world convene and decide to put most of the population into suspended animation and bury them beneath the surface in giant Arks. Years later, you're revived as the sole survivor of your malfunctioning Ark. I watched a hands-off demonstration a bit further along into the game, but there will be a brief tutorial during your revival process.

Gallery: Rage (05/04/10)

Continue reading Impressions: RAGE

Impressions: RAGE originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 May 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quake Live update makes it easier to frag friends

David Hinkle — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST

Worried about Stranger Danger in Quake Live? Well, the still-in-beta browser-based frag-em-up has been updated, allowing would-be murderers the ability to invite friends to their match or join their pals' sessions currently in progress. Why you would want to hurt your friends in this manner, we'll never know.

On a less backstabbery note, this update brings another interesting change that's currently only in private testing: the "Start a Match" feature. This particular function grants leagues and players the ability to start their own servers. Then, you can set the game to have no password, enable invite-only servers and even designate your own map cycle. Sadly, there's no word as of when this will be available to all participants.

For the full list of changes in the latest update, hit up the Quake Live forums.

[Via Bethesda Blog]

Quake Live update makes it easier to frag friends originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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QuakeCon 2010 announced for August

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:15:00 EST

Ahh yes, another year, another QuakeCon. The annual mecca for all things id Software (and now all things Bethesda Softworks, as well) will be returning to Texas this year on August 12-15, presumably with the usual three-plus hours of John Carmack keynote in tow (he goes on and on because he loves!).

As usual, the goings-on will be free, with the 72 hours of pure, unfiltered nerddom sponsored by parent company Zenimax Media (alright, alright -- it's very likely that the Bawls energy drink company is putting up some money as well). Little is known about the actual events of the show this year outside of the aforementioned cursory details, though, yes, the traditional event-wide network will again be available for attendees who bring PC rigs. That means order the purple neon light for your PC today, friends, not tomorrow.

QuakeCon 2010 announced for August originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carmack and Hollenshead reflect on id sale

Xav de Matos — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:58:00 EST

Six months after the acquisition deal that brought id Software under the wing of Bethesda parent-company ZeniMax, id Software co-founder John Carmack has again weighed in on the move and why he feels it made sense for the studio. Speaking with Edge Online, Carmack cited a waning interest from publishing partners -- specifically, Activision's decision to focus on internal development -- as a major contributing factor in the sale of the nearly 20-year-old company.

When the deal was first announced, games media focused on the sale of a long-time independent developer; however, id president Todd Hollenshead views the situation from a different angle. "I think it's just as true that we acquired an internal publishing capacity," he said. According to Hollenshead, ZeniMax values development "for its own sake," rather than "trying to put something in a box and relying on marketing for sales."

In the modern games industry where "the business is so much about either having a hit or being totally irrelevant," Hollenshead says a strong publishing partner is increasingly important to the survival of a development studio. Truthfully, we're happy for id Software. If the Activision partnership had continued, it would have been just a matter of time before the house that Doom built was tapped for some kind of peripheral-related disaster.

Carmack and Hollenshead reflect on id sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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id 'ramping up' hiring for Doom

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:30:00 EST

While id is currently keeping Rage at the forefront of its media presence, it looks like things are starting to accelerate for the next entry in the Doom series. Bethesda has made a note on its official blog that id is currently hiring, with "several programming positions open, as well as positions in Animation, Art, Design, IT, and Management." While the post doesn't directly specify that the company is hiring for Doom, it does point to the image at right as a clue to what the studio is "ramping up for."

Announced in 2008, the next Doom project is "not a sequel to Doom 3, but it's not a reboot either," according to id's Todd Hollenshead. It won't be called Doom 4 either. Whatever it is, we probably won't be hearing about it anytime soon.

id 'ramping up' hiring for Doom originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quake Live's 'Silent Night' map adds festive fragging fun

David Hinkle — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 21:45:00 EST

Click image to deck the halls with larger images

This time of year is usually one of peace and safe comfort for just about everyone. The same can't be said for the land of Quake Live, where id Software has injected some Yuletide spirit into the browser-based frag-em-up's usual industrial surroundings. For two weeks, players can enjoy a Christmas-themed remake of Team Arena map "Distant Screams," now named "Silent Night."

This update doesn't add particularly festive weapons to the mix, but the fresh coat of winter wonderland paint is certainly welcome. Nothing tops off the Christmas spirit tank like a little rocket play beneath giant candy canes and a star-filled sky, after all.

Gallery: Quake Live (Christmas 2009)

[Via CVG]

Quake Live's 'Silent Night' map adds festive fragging fun originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zenimax gets unofficial Doom, Wolfenstein and Quake ports pulled from Android Market

David Hinkle — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:44:00 EST

Android and Me points out some ports of popular id games were once available on your snazzy superphone, including Quake, Wolfenstein and Doom. They didn't last long, however, as Zenimax has managed to get the games pulled from Google's Android Market service due to copyright infringement.

It's only natural for ZeniMax to want to get the titles pulled and doubly so if the publisher is thinking about releasing id's classics on the platform, though that's just speculation on our part based on id's readiness to work on the competing iPhone platform. Head past the break to check out some footage of what you missed out on, courtesy of the unofficial Android version of Doom.

We've asked ZeniMax to comment on any commercial plans for these titles on Android and to clarify the nature of Doom's open source codebase and why it was included in this takedown request.

[Update: A ZeniMax spokesperson got back to use, writing: "We did issue a DMCA takedown notice to the Android store to remove the unofficial Doom, Wolfenstein and Quake games as they contain our trademarks and copyrighted assets, including graphics, artwork, storylines and audio. Open source relates to the underlying engine source code, not to a game's content, trademarks and assets, all of which remain proprietary. If the game was a total conversion and did not use any of our trademarks or assets, that would be fine. But none of our data can be repackaged and nobody is authorized to make a Doom, Wolfenstein or Quake product."]

[Via Game Politics]

Continue reading Zenimax gets unofficial Doom, Wolfenstein and Quake ports pulled from Android Market

Zenimax gets unofficial Doom, Wolfenstein and Quake ports pulled from Android Market originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Doom Classic released for iPhone and iPod Touch

Randy Nelson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

How many versions of id Software's seminal FPS, Doom, can you possibly buy? At least one more. The developer has released Doom Classic for iPhone and iPod Touch, not to be confused with Doom: Resurrection, the ~~tech demo~~ rail-based shooter released earlier this year.

The title is going for $6.99 [app store link] and includes four episodes: "Knee-deep in the Dead," "Shores of Hell," "Inferno" and "Thy Flesh Consumed." It offers multiple control configurations, at least one of which we've gotten fairly proficient with after an embarrassingly long and death-filled adjustment period. We haven't tried out the four-player local Wifi deathmatch yet, but as for internet play? Based on John Carmack's comments, we'd expect to find that washed up on the shores of Hell.

Doom Classic released for iPhone and iPod Touch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Doom cover artist dies at 73

Justin McElroy — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:28:00 EST

Doom is one of the most influential games in history, and at least some of that credit has to go to the iconic cover, which features an aesthetic that's still pervasive in the industry a decade-and-a-half later. The man responsible for that image, artist Don Ivan Punchatz, has passed away. He was 73.

Though Punchatz created cover art for numerous books and magazines, ranging from Playboy and National Geographic to Boys Life and Newsweek, what we'll always remember is the lone space marine with the curiously exposed abdomen facing off against the legions of Hell. Our best wishes to his family and friends.

[Via BigDownload]

Doom cover artist dies at 73 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wolfenstein demo marches onto Xbox Live

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:15:00 EST

If you've been itching to give Wolfenstein a try but aren't willing to plunk down any cash -- a likely possibility at this point -- you'll be happy to know that a Wolfenstein demo is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace in Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, United Kingdom and United States.

If you are somehow unfamiliar with the game allow us to sum up. There are Nazis. They are doing evil, occult-y things. You, the good guy, must stop them. With guns. And magic. If your experience varies significantly from this description, please check the game title. You're probably playing something else.

Add the Wolfenstein demo to you 360 download queue

[Via Major Nelson]

Wolfenstein demo marches onto Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wolfenstein sells 106k units in first week, all bets off

David Hinkle — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST

When the NPD released its figures for August, we noticed Wolfenstein was absent from the top-sellers list. Sure, the title was only available for purchase during a few days of August (it released August 21 on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC), but one of those versions had to have sold more than Fossil Fighters, which was in tenth place on the sales chart with 92,000 sold, right? Gamespot says, no.

Apparently, id's resurrected shooter only sold 106,000 across all platforms -- 59,000 units on Xbox 360, 30,000 on PS3 and 16,000 on PC. In other words, the PS2 version of Madden alone outsold combined sales of Wolfenstein. Disappointing, for sure, since you must have really been hoping to get your money back.

Wolfenstein sells 106k units in first week, all bets off originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone It In: Wolfenstein RPG

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:28:00 EST

I've come to expect a certain modicum of brevity in games played on my iPhone. Games like Doom Resurrection and Worms proved problematic, taking far too long to get into and out of games, or simply pushing my little 3G's processor to the limit (and being choppy as a result). Meanwhile, smaller titles like Drop7 and Baseball Slugger: Home Run Race 3D excel due to their size.

Wolfenstein RPG shocked me in this respect. I thoroughly enjoyed the deeper experience that the RPG elements offered (a leveling system and well-rewarded exploration), while save-anywhere functionality and short load times encourage quick gameplay sessions. In so many words, it offers the best of both worlds: a deep experience with jump in/jump out functionality.

Gallery: Wolfenstein RPG (iPhone/iPod Touch)

Continue reading iPhone It In: Wolfenstein RPG

iPhone It In: Wolfenstein RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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id: Xbox 360 Rage may have separate discs for campaign and multiplayer

Randy Nelson — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST

In an interview with Shacknews, id Software prez Todd Hollenshead brought up a novel approach that the developer may use to minimize disc-swapping with the Xbox 360 version of Rage: give the game's single-player and multiplayer modes their own discs.

"We'll probably have two DVDs for sure, and then the question is, will multiplayer be on a separate disc or not?" Hollenshead posed. "It makes no sense for a player to swap that disc in multiplayer, right? That's fail. They have to keep one disc in during multiplayer, can you just put all the multiplayer content on one DVD?"

Sounds like a good idea to us; although, in the same interview, the id boss implies that the final number of DVDs the the Xbox 360 version of Rage will ship on isn't exactly settled, wondering, "Will we have to go to three?" We don't care how many discs it's on -- just make sure the game goes to 11.

id: Xbox 360 Rage may have separate discs for campaign and multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Wolfenstein multiplayer team struck with layoffs

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST

GI.biz reports that an unspecified number of employees from Wolfenstein's multiplayer developer, Endrant Studios, were laid off today. Adding insult to injury, today just happens to mark the official launch of the game. Making matters even worse, Wolfenstein is the studio's first title.

According to an Endrant spokesperson, now that the Wolfenstein development cycle is complete, the studio has "regrettably been forced to make adjustments to staff and headcounts," adding that the laid-off staff members "worked incredibly hard on [Endrant's] latest title." The spokesperson also issued the studio's hope that the former employees "land on their feet quickly."

For our part, we hope they do too.

Report: Wolfenstein multiplayer team struck with layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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id: Rage won't have Doom 3's 'Monster Closets'

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST

There was a major design element in Doom 3 that a lot of players took issue with -- and no, we're not talking about the protagonist's inability to hold a firearm and a source of illumination at the same time. The element was the game's enemy spawning mechanic, which would make baddies appear when the player reaches set points in the level -- a practice which has since been nicknamed "monster closets." Fortunately, it seems id's next angrily-named project won't feature this oft-harangued spawning system.

In a recent interview with 1UP, Rage lead designer Matt Hooper explained that enemies in a certain section of the game's demo will be "doing whatever they're supposed to be doing. If they're supposed to be defending against you coming there, they'll be doing that. If they're just tinkering or having a conversation they'll do that." Sounds like id's AI has actual motivation now. Well, motivation beyond "scare the crap out of then murder space marines," anyway.

id: Rage won't have Doom 3's 'Monster Closets' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mac and Linux users joining Quake Live community August 18

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST

Has your ultra-hip, Justin Long-approved operating system kept you from joining in the Quake Live online gib-fest? 1UP recently reported on a recent QuakeCon 2009 announcement which should bring some joy to your empty, empty life -- on Tuesday, August 18, the title will be patched to allow Mac and Linux users to access the game's web-based bounty. Since the service's launch, this has by far been the most requested feature from free-to-play FPS lovers worldwide. It's nice to see id deliver on its promise to incorporate the non-Windows contingency.

Of course, we're still running a version of Digital UNIX circa 1995, so we might just be permanently S.O.L.

Mac and Linux users joining Quake Live community August 18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wolfenstein pre-order goodies revealed

David Hinkle — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST

If you're a diehard B.J. Blazkowicz fan looking to pre-order id's recently delayed WWII FPS, Wolfenstein, then know a few outlets are offering exclusive pre-order bonuses. According to the game's official site, four different retailers will provide extra incentive to pre-purchase:

GameStop: 2,000 in-game gold pieces for multiplayer (also listed for PC)
Best Buy: Early access to the Flammenwerfer weapon
Game Crazy: Limited edition collector's medal
Amazon: Free copy of Wolfenstein 3D for PSN or Xbox Live

Personally, we think Amazon has the best bonus, but we know full well the appeal of limited edition collector's medals.

[Via VG247]

Wolfenstein pre-order goodies revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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