• id Software fragments Quake Live community

    Quake Live has been a huge success amidst the Quake community as it united the players of old, and made it more convenient than ever for new players to get involved. Now though, leaving beta, id Software has decided that it's going to splinter the player-base by making many maps only playable by paying subscribers.

    Quake Live was never going to remain free forever, but it was assumed that an elegant pay-to-play structure would be imposed. Instead, we see "Premium" and "Pro" members get access to maps that others won't. It's a crying shame that this clumsy, discrimination-by-content approach has been taken, falling in-line with everything gamers seem to hate about DLC from developers such as Infinity Ward, with Modern Warfare 2.

    Regardless, there's no doubt that this web-based reincarnation of Quake 3 will have some serious longevity, thanks to the ladder system and the fact that the game is still tremendously fun. You can read the full subscription perk list in their official announcement.

    On a final note, it seems the forums were 'reset' for launch, deleting all newbie guides and config posts, and of course all of the previous Quake Live discussion. What gives, guys?
    Comments 4 Comments
    1. nicetroll's Avatar
      nicetroll -
      "we see Premium members get access to maps that Pro and free users don't"

      This is wrong. Premium and Pro, both give access to the exact same content. Pro gives you the ability to spawn your own private servers, anywhere in the world, where as Premium does not.

      "and you can't even join a clan without paying for Pro or Premium"

      This is incorrect. Free accounts can join and create 1 clan, Premium up to 5, and Pro up to 10.


      The bulk of the game is still free and those who don't want to pay can keep playing as they always have. And welcome to real life, where you have to pay for fun things. ID Software is not a charity. If you're a fan of quake, you'll support the game and pay up for all their hard work.

      And you conveniently forgot to mention the fee, for access to the premium content, it will set you back TWO dollars a month. OH WOW.
    1. rec's Avatar
      rec -
      Article updated to correct those inaccuracies - thanks for pointing them out.
    1. Kawolski's Avatar
      Kawolski -
      I tried to get back into it recently but it seemed dead. Was barely anyone playing in the local servers.
    1. rec's Avatar
      rec -
      They're quite busy at the time of writing this - I just popped in for a game.
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