Those hoping to relive the glory days of Q3Test are in luck: id Software's web-based Quake 3 throwback Quake Live is now open for beta signups on the official website.

Quake Live will be a free multiplayer FPS accessed through a single web portal--quakelive.com--which will also offer free friends lists, sponsored events, tournaments, and matchmaking services.

Quake Live, formerly known as Quake Zero, has found an advertising sponsor. IGA Worldwide is now signed on to be the exclusive ad broker for id Software's upcoming web based Quake 3 rebirth.

"IGA understands game developers and game players which makes them the perfect partner for Quake Live," commented Todd Hollenshead, CEO of id Software.

Quake Live will be a free-to-play version of Quake 3, with the intent of being easy to pick up and play, much like other upcoming titles such as Battlefield Heroes from EA and the GarageGames TRIBES spiritual successor Fallen Empires: Legion.

The PR continues: "Created by id Software as an all-new way to deliver the excitement and energy of first-person multiplayer action to a broader audience than ever before, QUAKE LIVE offers game players of all skill levels a totally free and easily accessible multiplayer gaming experience and community through a single website at quakelive.com.

"Every element of the experience, including friends lists and communication, sponsored events and tournaments, matchmaking, stats tracking, and even the game itself is accessed and delivered free of charge through the web browser."

Among its multiple QuakeCon announcements this evening, id Software unveiled its plans to form a second development team whose first project will be an slightly updated version of Quake 3. Titled Quake Zero, the game will be available for free--supported by advertising dollars--and run in a web browser on both PC and Mac.

"We appreciate what you guys have done over the years in building the popularity of [Quake 3]," said id CEO Todd Hollenshead. "We also like 'free.'"

"We at id are building a second team," he continued. "Our first project is Quake Zero, which means zero cost, zero hassle. You'll be able to play Quake 3 in your web browser for free, supported only by advertising dollars." id will be working with Apple to ensure the game runs ideally on Macs as well as PC.

During John Carmack's keynote address, the id co-founder and programming lead noted his preference for "straightforward and elegant" games such as Quake 3 Arena. "Honestly, I sit down and look at Enemy Territory, and I'm a little overwhelmed," he admitted.

Check out all news from QuakeCon.