Quake Fans Eager for a New Game
The Quake community is buzzing with excitement as fans eagerly await a new Quake game. However, some enthusiasts are also expressing their desire for a thrilling Unreal Tournament experience. They feel that this console generation is missing an arena shooter that captures the excitement of Quake 3 Arena. As a result, they are urging Bethesda to revive the Unreal series. The topic has sparked a series of passionate Reddit posts where devoted id Software fans share their Quake memories and discuss the potential future of the beloved shooter.
Unreal Tournament Reboot and its Cancellation
One Reddit user raised the idea of a reboot of Unreal Tournament developed in Unreal Engine 4. Unfortunately, they revealed that this project was canceled or put on hold due to the overwhelming success of Fortnite. The user expressed disappointment, stating, "It relied entirely on user-created content, and the potential levels and gameplay were just great."
Another user chimed in, reminiscing about the joy of creating maps and playing multiplayer against bots in games like Quake, Unreal, and Half-Life. They emphasized how easy it was to create maps in Doom and Quake, highlighting the affordability of the tools required for level design.
Challenges of Level Design and AAA Game Development
The discussion then shifted to the challenges faced by level designers and the direction of AAA game development. Some users reminisced about their experiences using mapping tools like Radiant to create levels for games such as Jedi Knight Outcast/Academy. One user pointed out that the tools were primarily designed for artists, which shifted the focus of level design towards art rather than using textures on primitives.
Unpaid mod teams were also mentioned as a challenge, with one user explaining that it has become increasingly difficult to coordinate a team of unpaid and inexperienced individuals. They noted that the industry now requires everyone to be on the same page, making it challenging to work with unpaid contributors.
Desire for a Modern Quake Game
Many users expressed their nostalgia for Quake 3 Arena and its fast-paced, skill-based gameplay. They expressed a strong desire for a modern Quake game with updated graphics and physics, including the iconic quad damage shotgun moments. While fans acknowledged the importance of taking the time to develop a new identity for the Quake franchise, they firmly believed that the Quake world is ready for a fresh installment.
Various Directions for a Quake Reboot
Discussions also revolved around the potential directions a Quake reboot could take. Some fans expressed interest in a return to the brooding Lovecraftian lore of the original game, while others preferred a bombastic action game reminiscent of Quake 2 and 4. The challenge of rebooting the Quake franchise was acknowledged due to its wide range of subgenres, from brooding Lovecraftian horror to fast-paced multiplayer arena shooting.
Embracing Lovecraftian Horror and New Player Experience
One user suggested that a new Quake game should lean into the Lovecraftian horror elements and explore themes of hallucination, madness, magic, body horror, and mutation. They believed that this would attract new players to the franchise. Another user added that the high skill gap and lack of resources to learn arena shooter gameplay and strategies contribute to the frustration experienced by newcomers.
Decline in Popularity and Ownership Concerns
Several users acknowledged the decline in popularity of arena shooters in general, citing the rise of competitive FPS, battle royale, and casual FPS games catering to different player preferences. Additionally, the split ownership of the Quake IP between id Software and Ravensoft raised concerns, especially in light of Microsoft's recent acquisition of Activision.
