Quake Live update kicks off premium trial week

A hefty Quake Live update rocket-jumped out yesterday, with new maps and modes for Premium subscribers of id's free-to-play version of Quake 3. "That's all good and well for Richie Rich and Audrey Affluent," you may mutter into your bucket of potato soup, "but what about me?" Good news, wretched proles, premium perks are open to all players this week.

Premium Pak 12, detailed on the Bethesda Blog, adds five new modes probably familiar to Quake veterans from mods: Attack & Defend, Domination, Harvester, One Flag, and Red Rover. There are four new battle arenas too, including two from XBLA's Quake Arena Arcade.

All and sundry can enjoy these shiny new things now, along with the dozens of maps and perks Premium membership begins. The trial will run through Sunday, so you've plenty of time to play. Quake Live is free-to-play through your browser, so head on over.

Premium membership costs a meager $1.99 per month if you sign up for a year, giving access to extra content, blocking ads, skipping queues, and other jazz. There's also a $3.99 Pro subscription with extra perks for certified fragmasters and gibfiends.