Another year, another Call of Duty. Activision is promising to unveil Black Ops 2 tonight--and what can we expect? Then, Rockstar Games has announced a plethora of downloadable content for Max Payne 3. Finally, want to jump back into Quake? You may want to check out Quake Live's new premium trial.

Check out today's episode of Shacknews Daily.

Watch: Shacknews Daily: May 1, 2012 »

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.

Read more: Five new modes and four new maps »

Speaking with vg247.com about the company's entry into the world of free-to-play, Quake Live, id Software CEO Todd Hollenshead said, "The game is an entertainment success, so now we have to figure out how to make the business model work." The reality that's set in, though, is that the in game advertising model hasn't been anywhere near as profitable as hoped. Facebook games, where the advertising is pervasive, thrive on it, but showing players dynamic ads while they play Quake hasn't proven nearly as effective.

Read more: Quake Live lives on »

Yesterday tolled the fifteenth anniversary of the launch of Quake, id Software's seminal 3D first-person shooter. Celebrating the event, id's sister company Bethesda has dug up Quake treasures to share with the world.

John Carmack, id co-founder and technical wizard, offered a few thoughts on Quake. He recalls struggles with developing the 3D engine, the novelty of free mouse movement, online multiplayer, 3D acceleration, and the importance and impact of modding. Notably, one of his defining Quake memories is quite unexpected, approached with Carmack's characteristic criticism: Read more »

Fifteen years ago, the site which would become Shacknews was eagerly awaiting the June 22, 1996, launch of id Software's Quake. Now, fans of the seminal FPS around the world have joined together to celebrate its latest anniversary with a whole host of virtual festivities.

The fan-organised Quake Expo 2011 kicked off on Sunday and runs until June 25. At virtual 'booths' you'll find a 1v1 NetQuake deathmatch tournament, mod releases, a fan-made art book, Quake Live commentaries, contests for fanfic, speedmapping terrain speedmapping, and heaps more. Read more »

Quake Live issued an update last night, and the game's site details the new changes. Called the Premium Pak 6, the update offers a variety of fixes and balance adjustments, plus three new premium arenas available to subscribers.

Read more »

Bethesda has sent along word that id Software is making the Premium features of Quake Live, detailed here, free for all users until Sunday, September 26. Additionally, anyone who purchases a Premium or Pro subscription during this promotion will receive an extra month of service.

If you'd like to pass along that extra month to a friend, giving them access to the Premium or Pro features, you may do so if you so choose. The Premium features should be available to all members, including new members that sign up today. Read more »

Right before QuakeCon 2010, id Software announced that Quake Live, it's free-to-play, browser-launched version of Quake III Arena, had left beta and would be getting two paid plans with additional content.

As for the free-to-play Quake Live, it's going to stay exactly the same, detailed here in a statement by Steve Nix, director of digital platforms at id Software, released to Shacknews prior to QuakeCon 2010. Read more »

Quake Live is "offline for maintenance" right now but when it returns it will be without the beta tag. It will also come with two new subscription packages to supplement the 'Standard' version which will continue to be free.

For $23.88 a year (that breaks out to $1.99 a month) you can get a 'Premium' subscription which includes:

Read more »

When QuakeCon 2010 kicks off on August 12, the world's elite frag-masters will be on hand to scoop-up their share of $50,000 in prizes. QuakeCon will open its doors to the public between August 12 and August 15 and feature multiple tournaments for "professionals" and "up-and-comers" alike, with free-to-play, browser-based Quake Live as the game to master.

Read more »

It was only a year ago that Quake Live, id Software's free-to-play, browser-based re-creation of Quake III Arena, was unleashed upon the Internet in the form of an open beta test. For the festivities, Quake Live will be running a "Year One Event" through March 9th. Gamers that play during the next two weeks will receive a special "Year One" emblem on his or her profile. A new map was also uploaded to celebrate.

Read more »

Chiming in with its take on the season, id has updated its free-to-play multiplayer shooter Quake Live with an appropriately decorated map and two festive characters.

Described as "a slightly re-worked version" of Distant Screams, "Silent Night" is a 32-player Capture the Flag arena. However, the holiday cheer isn't limited to just Capture the Flag, as Santa and "festive helper Vixen" are now playable in all game types. Read more »

A premium subscription service for Quake Live is on the way to the free online game, according to id founder John Carmack.

During his QuakeCon keynote address, Carmack explained to the crowd that in-game advertising was not enough to support the web-based title.

Read more »

As the open beta for Quake Live--id's free-to-play web-based update of Quake III continues--the developer has kicked off a new "6 new maps in 6 weeks" initiative.

The company promises "a mix of new and classic maps," with today seeing the addition of the "Hidden Fortress" map from the Dreamcast iteration of Quake III Arena. Read more »

After an extensive closed beta period, id's free-to-play version of Quake III, Quake Live, has now entered open beta testing.

The web-based title boasts 40 arenas and 5 game modes, in addition to copious amounts of late 90s nostalgia.

Sign up for a free account at the official site. Read more »