Quake Live, the upcoming free in-browser version of Quake, is sending out beta invitations to the service. Users are directed to beta.quakelive.com
This is a grand new experiment in gameplay. Instead of charging users a monthly access fee, id Software is teaming with IGA Worldwide to add advertising and sponsorships to the game to make money. Early reviews of the game are a thumbs up, and it looks to be a one way train to zero productivity at work. We’re trying to track down video of the beta environment.
The trailer for Quake Live is here.
QUAKE LIVE Tester!
Your name has been submitted to id Software to help us test a new multiplayer project underway here at the studio. We are working on QUAKE LIVE and would appreciate your help as we progressively test technology systems, user interface options, and gameplay changes.
What is QUAKE LIVE?
Originally dubbed “QUAKE Zero” when we announced the project at QuakeCon 2007, QUAKE LIVE will be a freely available, updated version of QUAKE III Arena that you access and play through your web browser.
As a beta tester, we are asking you to help us test the game delivery mechanism and core game technology, and to provide feedback on gameplay and game levels. The servers are always available, but you are encouraged to join us for our regular focus tests and special events (you will receive email notifications).
Please note that QUAKE LIVE is a work in progress and your experience as a beta tester does not reflect the final set of functionality that will be available. We encourage you to post comments, issues, suggestions and other feedback to the QUAKE LIVE forums. As a beta tester you are asked to keep your personal key, login information, account information, and all other information related to your participation in this program private and confidential.
What’s Next?
Simply use the personalized key below to setup an id Beta Tester account and gain access to the QUAKE LIVE website where you can begin playing.
You will be asked to agree to a non-disclosure agreement and we ask that you keep your personal key, login information, account information, and all other information related to your participation in this program private and confidential.
Visit http://beta.quakelive.com/ to start playing.
Key:Thank you for your time,
The QUAKE LIVE Team at id Software
Sucks to not have the invite code so we can sign up…
the quake beta has been going for a few months
i dont know what the deal is here
I was invited to the beta back in April 2008. I got a new invite now, so they’re probably ramping up the testing.
I’ve been in this beta for quite a long time now… But I’ve just bought a MacBook few weeks ago and QL only supports Windows at the moment :/
So can’t play, argh!
The idea is very nice tho. However, the system requirements are way way way way higher than those of Quake3 (which Quake Live basically is + some small changes and additions). It didn’t run smooth at all on m PC laptop with C2D 2ghz, 2gb ram and some ATI Radeon for laptops.
I had a look around, but didn’t see what technology they were using for the game? Flash?
They should send in some invites to TechCrunch Readers!
#sakri
I very much doubt it’s flash. Probably a nice custom plug-in containing what 3D engine elements you need to run Quake in a browser.
Which is nice enough if it’s not too heavy.
They should work on this kind of technology to set up a “standard” for other games too.
right you are… more details here : http://fragged....and-3d_397.html
Omg why did you post this? I have work to do today…
I can take a video, what would people like to see? Its just like Q3A with a sweet long-poll ajax interface that informs you when your friends join games (like Steam you can click to follow and join their server). I’ll do something at lunch today.
The graphics are superior to the original Q3A, the textures seem to have gotten some polish. I run it through FF, but there is also a plugin to run it through Interwebs Exploder. Installation is a small plugin (few megs) which then loads the rest from the quakelive.com page. As a fun perk, it first loads a small map so you can play against Crash (the first opponent from the original game) while the rest of the game loads in the background.
I think it’s not a true in-browser version of Quake, just one that is launched from within the browser.
Man… Why? Now I will NEVER get work done. Come on beta invite! Daddy needs to frag me a newbie!
Is there a key to sign up?
It is a pretty fun game to play, and I’m sure Quake fans will like it. Quake is not just my type of game though.
It runs very well via it’s own proprietary plugin. The only glitches I’ve seen are a few mouse focus issues, but they’re very minor.
At this point, is seems like they’re trying to target the masses, but it really does appear to be built for the hardcore (odd FPS terminology intact, very little help for newbies beyond a slightly expanded tutorial level that was in the original game). They have some great matchmaking stuff, and they track all of your stats and matches, so from that perspective, it’s great.
I’m moved from PC gaming to console gaming over the last few years, and I do have to say the Q3A gameplay is amazing, pure, and addicting… It still holds up very well, and I can see playing it a lot. I’m not sure how broadly it will appeal to people that didn’t play the original, though…
I just got my key today, but the site isn’t opening in any of my browsers(Chrome, IE6)…grrr
The game is expanding all the time and invites are being sent out in the thousands every day.
My prediction is this game is about to reach the open beta fase in which anyone can sign up without a beta key.
There are gameplay videos available from QuakeCon ‘08 in July, though of course it wasn’t the exact same as it is right now.
Video of ZeRo4 vs. Cypher for the 1v1 finals is here ( http://www.quak...y.com/file=2753 ), and the others are easily found from there.
PS. QL is the shiznit.
I can’t wait to play this, back in the day I used to be VERRRRRY good at this game. I can’t wait to see what my rail average has gone to
I wonder, does it let you set up your own config file? I wonder if you can adjust the graphics?
“Graphics looks kinda sketchy, would love it on an iPhone though!”
i lol´d