QuakeCon — the annual worldwide gathering of Quake and first person shooter enthusiasts — kicks off today in Mesquite, Texas. More than 3,000 fans are expected to attend, and $100,000 in cash is up for grabs as prize money. Game companies are also showing off the latest in games and technology at the event. This year, Mac game publisher Aspyr Media is a sponsor, and is at the event.
Organized by Id Software and a staff of volunteers, the four-day event is dedicated to gaming with titles based on Id Software’s technology. In addition to Quake III Team Arena and Return to Castle Wolfenstein, the event serves as a focal point for other third-party development that’s being done using the same core set of tools that Id Software created for those games. Id’s 3D game engine technology is licensed to many leading game companies to serve as the basis for their own titles.
In addition QuakeCon features some massive multiplayer action, including what Id CEO Todd Hollenshead said is the biggest Bring Your Own Computer (BYOC) LAN party in the country. The BYOC party is expected to draw more than 1,200 participants in 35,000 square feet of space.
In addition to the gaming festivities, a 10,000 square foot sponsor and exhibit area gives software developers and game publishers a chance to show off new titles currently in development or in release. Id Software itself will be showing a 12-minute demo of Doom III, the hotly anticipated 3D action game sequel to its legendary franchise.
15 workshops are scheduled to take place, as well, with speakers talking about topics in gaming technology, trends and issues related to game development — hardware, mod creation and more. Id Software, ATI Technologies and VIA Technologies will participate.
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