Quake
News, coverage and analysis tracking Quake across the outlets.
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Quake gets Dawn of the Machine episode in free update
MachineGames has released 'Dawn of the Machines,' a free content expansion for Quake, developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. The update, announced at QuakeCon 2026, adds a new campaign with 19 maps, a new soundtrack, and a deathmatch map. This content is available as a free update for owners of the Quake remaster on all platforms.
Quake update out now on Nintendo Switch, adds “Dawn of the Machine” for free
A new update for the Quake remaster is now available on Nintendo Switch, adding the "Dawn of the Machine" expansion for free. This new campaign features 19 maps, a new soundtrack, and additional content developed by MachineGames in collaboration with id Software. The update is available now on the Nintendo eShop.
Quake: Dawn of the Machine – Available Today
The new Quake downloadable content, Dawn of the Machine, is available today. The content adds new features and experiences to the classic Quake game.
I was excited for this Quake port of Half-Life until I discovered the creator's wild AI conspiracy theories
A new total conversion mod called Libre-life aims to port Half-Life's assets into Quake sourceports, allowing players to experience the classic game within a different engine. The modder, KleskBY, has also expressed controversial views on artificial intelligence, stating that critics are hypocritical and influenced by foreign governments.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 31: Bethesda celebrates 40 years
Bethesda Softworks is celebrating its 40th anniversary with significant sales across its game catalog, including popular franchises like Doom, Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, and Quake. Numerous PC storefronts like Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.com are participating, offering discounts on individual titles and bundles. Additionally, several free games are available for a limited time on platforms such as Amazon Luna.
Bethesda Canceled an Unannounced PvP Shooter Amidst Layoffs – Rumor
Bethesda has reportedly canceled an unannounced PvP shooter, with details emerging from a laid-off employee's LinkedIn profile. This cancellation comes amidst significant layoffs at the company, which also impacted other studios under ZeniMax Media. While the specifics of the canceled project are unknown, it is speculated to be the Rainbow Six Siege-like title previously rumored to be in development at MachineGames.
What sense can we make of the madness at id Software?
id Software, known for Doom and Quake, has laid off 136 employees, over half its workforce, amidst broader industry cuts at Microsoft. Conflicting reports suggest the studio is starting a new Doom game and its id-tech engine remains active, despite fears of it becoming a support studio. The article analyzes the potential reasons behind these drastic layoffs, including project phasing and cost-cutting, while also questioning Microsoft's strategy and the impact on team morale and institutional experience.
After Doom director Hugo Martin denied reports that id Software had been gutted, "current and former employees" are disagreeing with his optimism
Current and former employees of id Software are disputing director Hugo Martin's optimistic statements following recent layoffs at the studio. Sources claim that a significant portion of the Doom (2016) development team was let go, contradicting Martin's assertion that the studio was not "gutted." These employees expressed disappointment, feeling their contributions were undervalued, and highlighted past struggles like the development of Doom 4 as evidence of the studio's fragility.
'The mid-2000s was the golden era of first-person shooters': David Syzmankski, creator of Dusk and Iron Lung,…
David Szymanski, creator of Dusk and Iron Lung, discusses his gaming history and preferences in a 'Disk Cleanup' feature. He highlights Myst as a foundational experience and considers the mid-2000s the golden era for first-person shooters due to their variety. Szymanski also shares his high playtime in Elden Ring and his enduring appreciation for Doom.
Doom director Hugo Martin says id Software is fine, and anyway, 'what matters the most is that the games are…
id Software studio director Hugo Martin addressed concerns about the studio's size and capabilities following recent Xbox layoffs. He stated that the studio is currently the same size as it was during the development of Doom 2016 and that the idTech engine remains active, with engineers in both Frankfurt and at MachineGames. Martin also commented that successful games benefit everyone, including those who were let go.
Laid-off id Software devs "cannot imagine a path forward where they make another game in id Tech," despite the…
Former id Software developers express doubt about the studio's ability to create future games using the id Tech engine following significant layoffs by Microsoft. Despite a statement from id Software claiming they retain sufficient staff, affected employees believe the loss of institutional knowledge makes continued development of the engine unlikely. This comes as Bethesda reportedly plans to focus on major franchises, including those built on id Tech.
As unionised Microsoft workers rally against Bethesda layoffs, Fallout 4's been filled with protest signs and OneBGS logoed vault suits by modders
Unionized Microsoft workers are protesting recent mass layoffs affecting over 400 employees at Bethesda Game Studios, ZeniMax, and id Software. In solidarity, modders have added union logos and protest signs to games like Fallout 4 and Skyrim. Union representatives criticize the layoffs, stating they will negatively impact game quality and player experience.
Doom dev Id is now "about the same size we were when making Doom 2016" after layoffs
Id Software has addressed recent layoffs, stating that the studio remains adequately staffed to continue developing games and technology. Despite significant job cuts impacting over half the team, the developer confirmed its current size is comparable to when it was developing Doom 2016. The studio emphasized its commitment to its core philosophy and supporting affected employees, while looking forward to future projects and QuakeCon.
QuakeCon 2026 will be a place for celebration, mourning, and outrage
Recent layoffs at Xbox and id Software cast a somber shadow over the upcoming QuakeCon 2026, turning what should be a celebration into a potential funeral. The article discusses the uncertainty surrounding id Software's future, the potential abandonment of their proprietary id Tech engine in favor of Unreal Engine, and the likely fan outrage at the event.
"We mean business" - Bethesda union members to march in protest of sweeping Xbox job cuts
Bethesda Game Studios union members are planning protests against recent layoffs impacting Microsoft's Xbox division. The union criticizes Microsoft's framing of the cuts and asserts their legal right to bargain over the impact of these layoffs, demanding preferential transfers, stronger severance, and recall rights for affected workers. The layoffs have reportedly caused plummeting morale and may significantly affect the development of The Elder Scrolls 6.
"My 'Microsoft will probably be a good steward of the brand' statement isn't aging well" - id Software co-founder John Carmack speaks out after devastating Xbox layoffs
id Software co-founder John Carmack commented on the recent significant layoffs at his former studio following Xbox's restructuring. Carmack expressed sadness but not anger, suggesting id Software may have been a marginal business for Microsoft, with Minecraft revenues potentially subsidizing other studios. He reflected on the challenges of making games financially successful in a competitive market and questioned potential strategies for increasing revenue and reducing costs without alienating the existing player base.
Id Software co-founder John Carmack "can’t muster anger or outrage" over Xbox gutting the Doom studio, but does say it'll "dampen the mood of the founder reunion"
Id Software co-founder John Carmack expressed sadness but not anger over the recent layoffs at the studio, suggesting that the company may have been a marginal business for Microsoft. He believes games need to succeed financially to continue being produced and that executives aren't always the problem, though he acknowledges the possibility. Carmack hopes the studio can recover despite the uncertain future.
Id Software founder John Carmack mourns layoffs: "Games need to succeed, not just be beloved"
Id Software co-founder John Carmack expressed sadness over recent layoffs affecting over half of the studio's workforce, attributing the cuts to increasing business pressures rather than executive malice. He reflected on the need for games to be commercially successful, not just critically acclaimed, to ensure long-term production, and pondered potential design or marketing changes that could have improved Id's financial standing.
Evening Reading - July 9, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various gaming news and features, including reviews for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag and Digimon Story, discussions on 2XKO and Guilty Gear Strive, and mentions of Microsoft's potential new Quake game. It also touches on industry layoffs and includes personal anecdotes and internet content.
How do you put a price tag on a legacy like id Software's?
The article discusses the recent layoffs at id Software and contrasts Microsoft's handling of the studio's legacy with Costco's long-standing commitment to its $1.50 hot dog price. It questions Microsoft's stewardship of id Software's influential franchises like Doom and its proprietary id Tech engine, suggesting a lack of appreciation for their historical and creative value compared to their financial performance.
