Quake Champions
id Software Smashes Three World Records
Quake Champions
With a quarter-century of development under its proverbial belt, id Software isn’t just a pioneer in videogames but an innovator as well.
Widely credited with not just creating but also popularizing the first-person-shooter genre, id continues to hit the target even today. DOOM released this year to critical acclaim from the community and media, and Quake Champions is set to make its mark on the competitive shooter space in 2017. But it’s not just the fans who have embraced id Software and its achievements. At this year’s Gamescom, id Software was recognized by the Guinness World Records with three records: longest-running FPS developer; longest-running FPS series (Wolfenstein); and longest-running eSports tournament (QuakeCon). We caught up with id Software’s studio director Tim Willits to get his thoughts on these momentous milestones.
You just broke three world records. How does it feel to accept those awards on behalf of id Software?
This is a great honor. I’m humbled by the legacy of our studio and the impact id Software has had on the videogame industry. I would also like to say that these awards would not have been possible without the continued support of our fans.
id Software is now officially recognized as the longest-running FPS developer. What has id done to help keep the genre fresh, while also staying true to its roots?
Working on first-person shooters for 24 years has been very exciting but also challenging. Our secret to success is focusing on the core components of each franchise first, ensuring they are great, and then building upon them with new and modern features and designs. Luckily for us, first-person shooters are just fun and will never go out of style. If we can continue to build upon what makes first-person shooters great, we can continue to be successful well into the future.
QuakeCon has hosted the longest-running eSports tournament. How has eSports evolved since the early days of QuakeCon? And what are you doing next with eSports?
The growth of eSports from the first QuakeCon has been very exciting to watch. eSports has moved from a small group of diehard gamers to something with mass appeal. From small hotel rooms to massive arenas, eSports competitions are now watched by millions of fans around the world.
We have also seen the growth of individual competitors within eSports. Originally, most eSports competitors were just players who were really good at our games. Today, we see true eSports athletes who train all year long and compete at a level never seen before.
We have also seen an explosion in sponsorships and prize pools for large eSports events. Back in the day, a lot of gamers competed for video cards or free computers; but today, we have seen prize pools reaching millions of dollars. That’s something I never thought possible 20 years ago.
Things have changed a lot in the last 20 years and it will be exciting to see where eSports moves next. We’re obviously prioritizing eSports for Quake Champions and – along with the support of Bethesda – we hope to help shape the future of competition with the franchise that helped start it all. We plan to have tournaments, leagues and championships with Quake Champions, and QuakeCon will continue to be a big part of that. The focus is always on making games people want to play first – and for eSports, games that people want to watch as well.
id Software created Wolfenstein, which is now the longest-running FPS series. What are you most proud of with regards to that franchise?
Wolfenstein will always have a special place in my heart. As the original first-person shooter from id Software, the impact on everything we have done can be traced back to Wolfenstein. My favorite part of Wolfenstein has always been the over-the-top action in the Wolfenstein universe where the fight against Nazis is a true good vs. evil conflict – where good always wins. The theme of defeating Nazis, whether in the 1940s or in an alternate history line, is something that everyone can understand and enjoy playing. B.J. Blazkowicz is a true hero, one of the good guys, and stepping into his shoes to beat up on Nazis is something that will never get old. Long live Wolfenstein!
**After smashing three records, what’s next for id? What record are you now gunning for? **
It is really exciting to be recognized for these achievements. We plan on continuing to make the best games we can, and to always try to support and grow the community of fans that make everything we do possible. Looking to the future, I hope there are many more records and milestones that id Software can achieve.
For a look at id Software’s latest games, check out these Bethesda.net features:
Quake Champions and eSports
Quake Champions – Gameplay Trailer and New Details
DOOM – Unto the Evil Now Available
