The id Software website has been updated with information on an upcoming 1.3 point release for Raven Software's Quake 4. Scheduled to be released some time before this year's QuakeCon (early August), the 1.3 patch will offer a number of community requested changes and updates to the game.

We're implementing a number of community requested features and actual gameplay changes to QUAKE 4 gameplay which will provide a faster, smoother, and more highly competitive experience that we hope particularly appeals to those playing QUAKE 4 regularly and/or competitively, but also makes the game even more fun for new players. You can expect increased mobility and control, improved performance with ambient lighting options, and weapon alterations that advance playability and challenge competitive players. We’ve noticed several LAN and competitive events considering what games to use for their future events, and we would encourage players and organizers to give 1.3 a try – we think you'll like it. We feel these competition friendly changes, coupled with an all-new gametype, a new weapon, and several professionally made maps will extend the life of QUAKE 4 for all players

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The official QuakeCon website has been updated with an overview of this year's tournaments. There will be a $35,000 Quake 4 1v1 tournament, a $25,000 Quake 4 2v2 tournament, a $30,000 Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory 5v5 tournament and a vague $10,000 tournament "celebrating QUAKE's 10th birthday with a QUAKE 4 event created for the fans", with more details on that later this week.

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Activision sends along the v1.2 patch for Quake 4, which is pretty much the 1.1 patch but with the widescreen bug found in that release fixed. If you did have 1.1 installed, there is an incremental patch available too.

We really mean it this time... The QUAKE 4 1.2 Point Release is now available. This update replaces the 1.1 patch released several weeks ago, and includes all of the changes outlined for that update, including: a fixed pure server system, a new AddonPak autodownloading system, voice chat in multiplayer, a forcemodel option, brightskins, smooth stairjumping, a one-minute warning for tournament matches, Hyper-Threading Technology and Dual Core support as well as a number of multiplayer specific fixes. For a complete list of changes, please see the readme. The full 1.2 update will bring ANY previous version of the game completely up to date, and it includes the 4 new professionally made multiplayer maps as well as the QUAKEMAS multiplayer map pack.

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In preparation for the upcoming Quake 1.2 patch, updated SDKs for Windows and Linux are now available. Thanks 3D Gamers.

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Beta 2 of Rocket Arena for Quake 4 is now available. The new release is compatible with the 1.1 patch and offers bug fixes and new content.

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In case you missed it, id Software has recalled the Quake 4 1.1 patch as "There is a problem with the widescreen functionality that may harm a user's monitor". If you have the patch installed it is recommended that you neither enable or disable the widescreen support. An updated patch is expected soon. In the meantime we do have the updated SDK on FileShack.

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Activision sends along the Quake 4 1.1 patch, which is now final. The 119mb download offers a ton of improvements, mostly for the game's multiplayer modes. There are also four new maps.

The QUAKE 4 1.1 Point Release update is now available. This highly anticipated patch addresses a number of issues throughout both single and multiplayer, with a heavy and attentive focus on improving the multiplayer experience. Such improvements include: a fixed pure server system, a new AddonPak autodownloading system, voice chat in multiplayer, a forcemodel option, brightskins, smooth stair-jumping, a one-minute warning for tournament matches, Hyper-Threading Technology and Dual Core support as well as a ton of multiplayer specific fixes which have been requested by the community and discovered during our own gameplay.

Update: The patch has been temporarily removed, as id Software sends along this: "There is a problem with the widescreen functionality that may harm a user's monitor. We are working on a re-release and will make it available as soon as possible". If you have the patch installed do NOT enable or disable widescreen.

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crt sends along word that the first beta of Rocket Arena 4 for Quake 4 is now available. The 24mb release, mirrored on FileShack, features Classic Rocket Arena and Clan Arena gameplay and includes two maps.

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id Software has released a new beta patch for Quake 4, updating Raven's shooter to v1.1. An extensive list of changes for the 59mb update can be found here; the changes/additions include voice chat in multiplayer, a one-minute warning for tournament matches, fixed pure server autodownloading, Hyper-Threading Technology support, the ability to go higher than 110 with the FOV setting, and a lot of community requested multiplayer fixes. Any issues with the patch can be reported at http://www.idsoftware.com/bugs/.

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id Software & Raven have released the first Quake 4 map pack, adding three new multiplayer maps to the game. Some screenshots can be found here. The descriptions for the maps:

Railed - Set in an abandoned, rusting Strogg facility, the environment in Railed produces fast paced frenetic tournament action. This new map is all about close-quarters combat and hair-trigger reflexes as players hustle through the winding, multi-tiered corridors. Designed particularly for tournament play, Railed also supports Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch game modes, and is guaranteed to provide some thrilling fast-action gameplay. Tremors - Built within a twisting underground cavern and peppered throughout with pipes, bridges, and catwalks, Tremors demands tactical expertise. Enemies attack from above and below in the enormous, multi-tiered environment, making team-play invaluable. Tremors is perfect for huge Capture-The-Flag games, and also supports the Arena Capture-The-Flag gameplay mode. Campgrounds Redux - With QUAKE 4's updated technology, Campgrounds Redux now has a fresh look and feel, revitalizing this QUAKE III classic. Excellent for any number of players, this updated version supports Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Tournament modes, where hard-core QUAKE fans can get crazy with this throw-back to one of their old favorites.

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Creative's Sound Blaster website has a Quake 4 Q&A posted, asking Raven Software's Zachary Quarles about the game's sound design.

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Activision sends along a beta patch for Quake 4, updating Raven's first person shooter to version 1.0.5. For this update id Software and Raven worked together with Intel to improve performance of the game on systems equipped with Hyper-Threading Technology, multiple processors or dual core CPUs.

Players who have a system with one of these configurations will notice performance gains in QUAKE 4 of anywhere from 25% - 87% depending on processor type. If you do not know whether or not you have a multi-processor, dual core, or HT Technology enabled system, please see the ReadMe file for simple instructions on checking your system. Please use the form at www.idsoftware.com/bugs/ to report any issues you find with the 1.0.5 update.

Activision also let us know that there are broader Quake 4 updates planned for next year, including several multiplayer map packs.

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An updated Quake 4 demo is now available from FileShack, offering you a renewed opportunity to check out Raven's new first person shooter. The 324 mb demo comes with two singleplayer missions from the beginning of the game, and two versions of the multiplayer map The Fragging Yard.

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The id Software website has been updated with a message by CEO Todd Hollenshead, who explains what happened with the Quake 4 demo that came out with broken multiplayer. As we previously mentioned, an updated version is expected soon. Thanks Blues.

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A Quake4 demo has been released over on FileShack. Word from Activision is that they plan on making another release next week that will include a working multiplayer component.

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