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Quake 4 Linux
Crusader writes "id Software has released the Linux client and server for Quake 4. There's a FAQ page with installation instructions, notes, and download links."
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Damn, either I've really gotten out of the loop, or this has been one of the stealthiest release campaigns for a major game that I've ever seen.
Just a note: The quake 4 webpage is flash based. So if you try to access it, either have a broadband connection (and you will still have to wait), or a lot of patience with a modem. Also, if you block pop-ups with firefox, you won't be able to access anything but their main page unless you turn off the pop-up blocker.
One more thing... if a company already has a patches section with the words "Coming Soon" before the game is released, is that suggesting something about the quality of the product?
-Kruton
The cd likely has the artwork to keep the download small, and the cd key of course. Basicly you need to buy the cd, then you can dl and use the linux client.
It also gives ID firm numbers on how many actually use the linux version. So if you bought the game, please dl it.
I still have more fans than freaks. WTF is wrong with you people?
I can't get to any web page, the flash will not let me submit my age. Debian, mozilla, flash, every other we flash-page works but Id's. Oh well no time for games./.
I've been trying to get this posted here for days so I'll post it here...
= 118685 36.html
It's semi off topic, but id stuff is posted a lot here, so here it goes:
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid
http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/09/27/news_6134
Adrian Carmack (one of 4 founders of id software) was fired over some stock despute (RTFA). What's more interesting (depends how you take it) is that Activision tried buying id for $105 million dollars. Read the rest in the links.
That makes two of us. It may be a couple more years before I meet the hardware requirements of Quake 4, and find it at Walmart for only $9.95.
When's a demo coming out?
"Nine times out of ten, starting a fire is not the best way to solve the problem." - my wife
It's nice to see id still supporting Linux. Bioware produced a very nice Linux client for Neverwinter Nights but since they started making Xbox games their new engines are based on DirectX. UT-UT2004 also had excellent Linux versions, but UT2007's target platforms are PS3, Xbox 360 and Windows. Who knows if that will hit Linux in the end.
The US Army: promoting democracy through unquestioned obedience
http://www.planetquake.com/quake4/info.shtml
English version of Windows 2000/XP
Pentium 4 2.0 GHz or Athlon XP 2000+ Processor
512MB RAM
8x speed CD-ROM drive and latest drivers
2.8GB uncompressed hard-drive space, plus 400MB for Windows swap file
100% DirectX 9.0c compatible 16-bit sound card and latest drivers
100% Windows 2000/XP compatible mouse, keyboard and latest drivers
DirectX 9.0c included
3D Hardware Accelerator Card required
100% DirectX 9.0c compatible 64MB
Hardware Accelerated video card and the latest drivers
[snip]
Internet (TCP/IP) and LAN (TCP/IP) Supported
Internet play requires broadband connection and latest drivers
LAN play requires network interfaces card and latest drivers
If Quake 4 doesn't use DirectX, why would it COME with DirectX? Why would it REQUIRE a DirectX compatible video card?
Quake 4 for Windows can run with OpenGL drivers, and it can run with DirectX drivers, but it's DirectX by default.
I am unamerican, and proud of it!
I had the same problem with UT2004, the DVD would not read properly so I had to go download the warez version from Usenet and use my key to install the game. It's ironic that you have to turn to the pirates because you can't legitimately install the game yourself because of a copy protection that is intended to deter piracy!
For all intensive porpoises your a bunch of rediculous loosers
Hypothetically, what if a heavyweight like Id released the Linux version of their game for free, but made the Windows version cost the regular price? If the game was in hot enough demand, it might encourage a large number of gamers to install Linux in some form. It would also create quite a buzz about Linux among people who might otherwise not install it because "they play games". Obviously this would cut into retail sales, so it would be a sacrificial move of sorts, but for a game company sufficiently already rolling in the dough, with an established franchise, it might not be too hard to take the hit of losing a chunk of sales. Again the plan is: 1. Release game for free on Linux, regular price for Windows. 2. Create buzz, get people installing Linux, make your game company less dependent on Microsoft. 3. Profit (*) (*) At least in karma, definitely in publicity, and over the long haul, probably in $ too.
Maybe it requires DirectX because DirectX is a lot more than a 3D API. The Windows version of Quake 4(and Doom 3, Quake 3, Quake 2...) uses OpenGL for graphics, DirectSound for audio, and DirectInput for it's control interface. The Direct3D API is never used. I'm sure the requirements mention a DX9 video card just to help eliminate confusion, although you snipped out the part where it lists every supported card.
So yeah, Quake 4 for Windows uses BOTH OpenGL AND a subset DirectX, but it never uses Direct3D.
It is definitely better to write portable code from the ground up and be able to run and debug it on multiple platforms. The GNU/Linux market share alone would not justify the time I spend on it.
This said, I'm much happier doing my developement on Linux when it's possible. Debugging isn't as easy as MSVC, but the environement just feels right for me.
TTimo
if the copy "protection" (prevention) works in linux...
securom/starforce/etc restriction technologies require a driver be installed and running at all times in order for them to prevent copies being used on windows.
ironic that people who download copied games have a much easier time playing than people who run out, give the companies 50 bucks and come home to an unplayable game due to onerous restrictions.
too many games nowadays each install their own "driver" and if you have many games installed like many do, you exponentially increase your chances of instability (more so than usual), conflicts and downright crashes.
another thing that's absurd is that most new games will complain after being installed and not run or will not install if you have nero or other cd recording programs installed. also if you have alcohol 120% or daemon tools.
didn't it ever occur to publishers, that having those tools installed would only screw over the people who bough the games legitimately? because infringers would never have to deal with that bullshit. they go out of their way with time and money to introduce these offensive, unstable "protection" technologies yet vehemently argue that it prevents "piracy"? yet, "pirates" are the ones who are the least inconvenienced and hindered...
something just doesn't add up.
pissing off your paying customers is one of the few things you don't want to do... i wonder where they went to business school?
Science : Proprietary , Knowledge : Open Source
I'm glad to see Linux acknowledged, and I hate to be a party pooper, but I can't stand this sort of on-line product activation thing. It will cause me NOT to buy this game. I like to play games offline, in single-player mode, on my PC.
When I bought Unreal Tournament 2004 to play on Linux (I have never installed it on Windows) I was able to buy the box in a brick and mortar store and install it without an Internet connection. It installed easily, and played great.
But I avoided Half Life 2 because of Steam. How is this any different from Steam?
SecureROM seems like an awesome product. The guys at Penny Arcade had been looking forward to F.E.A.R. for a long time, and last update said "Well, we would love to tell you if it is any good, but since it refuses to install... I guess we will just have to play something else". Some really great marketing there!
Being bitter is drinking poison and hoping someone else will die
Oh, I understand... you would prefer two separate versions, this way when you buy the Windows one you can't play Q4 under Linux, and when you buy the Linux one you can't play under Windows. That's a good idea but sorry, I prefer having only one version that can work under both systems.