"Things are moving along great," Cloud told Shacknews. "We're currently preparing it for licensors to take a look at it. It's in a good position. The SDKs have to be put together--we obviously can't just put together the code and have them figure it out. There's work done on that level."

Cloud could not clarify a specific release window for id Tech 5, but said that the updated graphics engine is already running well in cross-platform development environments.

"You don't even have to worry about how it's going to look on PS3 or 360. Right now we've got it running cross-platform running 60 hertz, and it looks really good," Cloud said. "In terms of what artists are available to achieve--it's something you have to see for yourself. I can say this, but you still won't get it until you see it."

"Because of the universal texturing everything in the world can be uniquely textured, and it's a look you just can't get in any other game. Once you see it you go 'shit, I have not seen that anywhere else.' We're really proud of what we've put together there."

Revealed last June, id Tech 5 is the latest update to the studio's in-house graphics engine. The studio plans to make use of the new engine in its upcoming open-world shooter Rage (PC, PS3, X360).

During our time together, the developer spoke about the simultaneous development of Quake Wars on consoles and PCs, creating an all-in-one objective-oriented experience, and more. Click through for the full interview.

Kevin Cloud: The classes have a real meaningful role to play in the game--they're not just equipment load-outs. When you're playing a medic, you're definitely doing the job of a medic... That doesn't really exist in a lot of the other games where, really, the only difference is in what weapon you're carrying. Read more..

"It's wrong to say it's harder to code on the PlayStation 3. It's just something that needs to be learnt," said Le Tensorer to GamesIndustry. Le Tensorer is the co-creator of the YETI engine used in Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter (PC, X360) and the upcoming Beowulf (PC, PS3, X360, PSP).

"It's not harder to develop on the PS3 than it is on the 360, it's just a different console," he added. "Developers might say it's harder because it just takes time to understand the technology. We're still early in the lifecycle."

At this year's QuakeCon, id's resident gangsta John Carmack acknowledged that his company's new engine id Tech 5 may potentially evolve into a more robust form on the PlayStation 3 than on the Xbox 360. However... Read more

"Everybody knows we're going to do a good job with the run and gun action stuff...but we are branching out," explained Carmack, who noted id's love for a Road Warrior-esque post-apocalyptic atmosphere.

A trailer for the title showcased driving and expansive outdoor areas in addition to id's traditional shooting elements. Shacknews editor Chris Remo described both the character models and the environment as incredibly detailed, complete with good facial animation on NPCs and impressive detail on a small fly.

The company estimates that the single-player game--which has ... Read more

Update: Things appear to be running a little behind schedule.

Original Story: With the Shack staff covering QuakeCon in Dallas (not to mention BlizzCon in Anaheim), we'll be doing live updates of the id Software press conference and keynote address later tonight.

Set to kick off at 6pm CDT (4pm PDT), id Software is expected to show off its advanced id Tech 5 engine, with a high likelihood of the company revealing Raven Software's new Wolfenstein game as well as its own new internal project.

In a recent interview with Shacknews, id's Kevin Cloud and Steve Nix briefly commented on the studio's new game, which will not be part of any of its established universes such as Doom or Quake. "You shouldn't expect an RTS or a fighting game or something. People are going to like what they see, but it's not going to be shocking," said Nix. Cloud was slightly more specific, adding, "We're still going to be first-person shooters and in-your-face immersive action."

Check out all news from QuakeCon.

Showcasing a highly detailed environment set in desert valley--presumably a race track given the banners, flags, spectator, and vehicle--the ... Read more