id Software today revealed that Electronic Arts will publish its upcoming titles, beginning with RAGE (PC, PS3, 360).

id's John Carmack appeared on stage to show id's support of the new publishing arrangement, noting that more RAGE details will be unveiled at QuakeCon later this month.

The agreement comes as part of the EA Partners initiative, under which EA helps publish and distribute titles for smaller, independent studios, such as Valve's The Orange Box and Harmonix's Rock Band.

"The RAGE publishing deal is the epitome of EA Partners' mission: Provide the world's best developers with access to the world's best publishing resources," explained EA Partners general manager David DeMartini.

"The team at id Software is one of the best development studios in the world. We're excited to work with id Software to give RAGE a blockbuster launch on the global stage."

A new trailer of RAGE was also shown, highlighting angry mutants and the sounds of brutal dismemberment.

Following the release of Doom 3, developer id Software shuffled to the background of the gaming industry for a time. Now the independent company is readying for a resurgence, on several fronts at once.

id is readying two traditional big-budget titles in Doom 4 and Rage, the latter marking the company's first original IP since the release of Quake. Founded late last year, id Mobile will be releasing its first project later this year with Wolfenstein RPG, the follow-up to the Doom RPG. Finally, the company is forging new ground in the web-based gaming sector with Quake Live, a free version of Quake III Arena without all the fuss--or the cost.

Recently I had a chance to talk with id Software co-founder John Carmack and executive producer Marty Stratton. While the theme of the talk was Quake Live, we also covered topics ranging from the state of PC gaming to the potential of iPhone development, painting a larger picture of this now multi-faceted studio. Read on for the full interview.

John Carmack: We can't go on making PC games like we used to.. But still, there are some things that the PC does fundamentally better than the console. And from a first person shooter perspective, the keyboard/mouse interface is just a lot better than a console interface.. It's just plain better, and that's one of the things we want to cater to. There are strengths that the PC has, and we think Quake Live is very much playing to them.... Read more

In an interview with Shacknews conducted earlier today, legendary Doom developer and id Software co-founder John Carmack expressed regret that his company could not put together an iPhone game in time for today's launch of the iPhone application store.

"I'm really kind of sad about... how things played out outside of our real control on that," said Carmack when asked about id iPhone development. "I'm really bullish on the iPhone market. I think that what they're doing with iTunes, cutting the carriers out of there... it's a great hardware platform.

"It's a market I really want to be in, we just didn't have the resources to go do something for the initial launch."

Carmack then revealed that he and id programmer Robert Duffy have been quietly experimenting with the iPhone's 3D engine.

"Robert Duffy and I actually hacked together a kind of a port... Read more

Amidst an industry-wide focus on user-created content in gaming, id Software lead designer Matt Hooper stated that the company's upcoming open world shooter Rage will focus on visual and gameplay fidelity over community and content-sharing services.

"As a game player, I love [user-created content]," Hooper told Next-Gen. "But that doesn't mean at the same time I can't love a BioShock or a Call of Duty 4. You can have a focused game, and do that really well."

Hooper added that games centered around user-generated content such as modifications or maps represents a different focus, likening it to a different movie genre, while reiterating that the "important thing [is] doing something really well."

"For us personally, our biggest goal is—you can see it right now—we're pushing on the fidelity, visually. We're also pushing on the gameplay fidelity... As far as ... Read more

Developer id Software has confirmed to GamePolitics that it is no longer a member of the Entertainment Software Association.

Best known for its work on the DOOM and Quake series, id joins other recent ESA departees LucasArts, Vivendi and Activision.

Outside of the ESA's claims that LucasArts' exit was a result of "unique factors," no reason has been provided for the withdrawals. However, rumors point to issues with ESA president Mike Gallagher, who took up the role last year.

It had previously been revealed that the ESA's decision to relocate its E3 gathering to Santa Monica last year cost the association upwards of $5 million, partially due to the violation of a long-term contract with the Los Angeles Convention Center.

id Software today announced that it has begun production on Doom 4, and is now in the process of expanding its internal team of developers to work on the shooter sequel.

"Doom is part of the id Software DNA and demands the greatest talent and brightest minds in the industry to bring the next installment of our flagship franchise to Earth," said id Software CEO Todd Hollenshead in a release.

"It's critical for id Software to have the best creative minds in-house to develop games that meet the standards synonymous with our titles."

The company is currently accepting applications to fill job openings covering roles such as producer, lead designer, and lead animator, among others.

The job listings page indicates that applicable platforms for the positions are PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Though no further details on the game were released, the studio will likely make use of its new id Tech 5 engine for the project.

id Software lead artist Kevin Cloud recently told Shacknews that one of... Read more

Beloved developer id Software has announced that its annual celebration of debauchery and first-person shooting known as QuakeCon will take place at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas from July 31 to August 3.

Registration for the free event's Bring Your Own Computer (BYOC) area opens at 9PM ET on Wednesday, April 30 over at the QuakeCon site.

Those interested in obtaining centrally located hotel rooms can now register at the Hilton Anatole's custom QuakeCon reservation page, which offers the lower-than-normal rate of $137 a day.

While id has yet to detail any of its QuakeCon festivities, last year's event was a veritable explosion of news, including the revelation of Rage, the appearance of numerous id titles on Steam, confirmation of Quake 3 on Xbox Live Arcade, the first details of the Wolfenstein movie, and more.

In an interview with Shacknews, id Software lead artist Kevin Cloud said that the development of the company's upcoming id Tech 5 graphic engine is progressing well, and should be ready for licensors in the near future.

"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).

Fresh off of a hands-on demonstration of Enemy Territory: Quake Wars on the Xbox 360, I had the opportunity to sit down with id Software's Kevin Cloud, executive producer of the upcoming shooter.

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..

id Software programming wizard John Carmack took some time off from his rocket science today to comment on the just-announced software development kit for Apple's iPhone.

"Just based on the blurbs, it looks very good--a simulator plus debugging on the native device is the best of both worlds, and a 70% royalty deal for apps over iTunes is quite good," said Carmack in a forum post on Slashdot.

Doom RPG (Mobile) and Orcs & Elves (Mobile, DS) were developed by Fountainhead Entertainment with help from Carmack. Fountainhead founder Anna Kang, John Carmack's wife, was brought on by id last year to head up the company's mobile division.

"We (Id) have put in our application like everyone else, so I don't have any inside information at this point," added Carmack. "I think [Apple CEO] Steve [Jobs] is still... Read more

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."

Here's a quick summary of all this week's feature content, followed by some of the more prominent news items, in reverse chronological order.

Features:

• Indie Adventures: PixelJAM and Dino Run
  Chris Faylor chats with indie developer Richard Grillotti to learn about PixelJam's cool-ass retro-looking web games.
• Crysis Review
  Chris Remo built an entirely new PC so he could review Crysis. It's awesome, but you may have to do the same to play it.
• Kane & Lynch: Dead Men Review
  I played through Io Interactive's much-hyped squad shooter. It's got some problems.
• Replay Couch 5: Glitches, Exploits, and Mario
  Nick Breckon invites you to join him once again for another installment of Replay Couch--the greatest collction of gaming videos on the Internet.
• Legendary: The Box Hands-On Preview
  I take a look at a pre-alpha build of Spark Unlimited's upcoming myth-inspired shooter. More games need griffins in them.
• Super Mario Galaxy Review
  Chris Remo's heart of ice is melted by this early Christmas present from Shigeru Miyamoto and friends.
• Shacknews' Rock Band Guide
  Got questions about Rock Band? Nick Breckon gives you more than you ever needed to know about the game.
• Contra 4 Review
  Chris Remo gets annihilated by WayForward's new Contra game. It is hardcore, and he is no match. Read his review.
• Weekly Download Rundown
  Chris Faylor gives you the lowdown rundown on this week's downlow downloads. Sorry.

News posts:

• Supreme Commander Confirmed for Xbox 360 in 2008
• Report: Guitar Hero 3 Wii Only Outputs in Mono
• Microsoft Announces Downloadable Xbox Titles, Celebrates Xbox Live Anniversary with Free Game
• Praise Be, Rocket Race Added to Halo 3 Playlists
• Ghostbusters Sequel Coming in Video Game Form, Original Cast and Writers Heavily Involved
• Willis and Thornton Rumored as Stars for Kane & Lynch Film Adaptation
• Rock Band DLC Pricing, Details Announced
• id Software Dives Fully into Mobile Development

According to USA Today, old guard PC developer id Software will more fully embrace the mobile gaming market in which it already has seen some measure of success. Anna Kang, founder of Orcs & Elves series and Doom RPG developer Fountainhead Entertainment, will head up id Mobile, the new division devoted entirely to cell phone games. Classic id franchises Wolfenstein and Quake are expected to make the jump to mobile.

Doom RPG and the Orcs & Elves franchise were notoriously born out of a desire by id Software co-founder John Carmack to improve the state of mobile gaming as well as give him a chance to work on smaller, more personal projects that do not require large development teams. Fountainhead developed the games using initial technology developed by Carmack. Kang, previously an id employee, is Carmack's wife. She will apparently keep her Fountainhead post while serving as president of id Mobile.

Fountainhead and id's mobile games have seen both critical and commercial success. The first Orcs & Elves game has been ported by Fountainhead to Nintendo... Read more

Though the Writers Guild of America strike won't have much of a bearing on the current game market, it will have a strong effect on films in production that are based on games. One such example is the Wolfenstein movie, which id Software announced at QuakeCon.

Wolfenstein writer and director Roger Avary (Pulp Fiction, Silent Hill, Beowolf) told SCI FI Wire that though the script is almost done, no progress will be made until the writers' strike ends. "[I] am proud of [the script]," he said, "but everything as far as the production date and that kind of thing won't be decided on until after all this [is] over. And I fully support the strike."

According to Avary, the film will be "a World War II old movie of guys who are out on a mission, but this one will have the addition of monsters and horror and a lot of craziness all mixed together.

"We will start it when it is the right time," he added.

"You want a guy who understands the property, is a big fan of it, wants do a movie that is Wolfenstein, and has the talent to make that happen," id Software CEO Todd Hollenshead told Shacknews at QuakeCon. "In my mind, Roger is an unquestionably talented writer. I couldn't be more psyched."

Following last night's announcement of the PlayStation 3's rumbling DualShock 3 controller--which arrives in Japan this fall, then North America and Europe next spring--SCEA has issued a lengthy list of all current and upcoming titles that will support vibration functionality in North America and Europe.

Particularly noteworthy games on the list include Kojima Productions' Metal Gear Solid 4, id Software's Rage, Epic Game's Unreal Tournament 3, Insomniac Games' Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, Sony Liverpool's WipEout Wipeout HD, Capcom's Resident Evil 5, Monolith's Condemned 2: Bloodshot, and Ubisoft Montreal's Assassin's Creed.

Already-released titles such as Evolution Studios' MotorStorm, Insomniac Games' Resistance: Fall of Man, Housemarque's Super Stardust HD, Ninja Theory's Heavenly Sword, and Incognito's Warhawk will be updated with rumble support through online patches. Those that will receive rumble functionality in this manner are marked with an asterisk (*) on the following list:... Read more

Will id Tech 5 be All the Rage? is a Next Generation article asking id's Steve Nix about their new technology and more.

More QuakeCon Q&As on Eurogamer as they have posted another chat with id's Steve Nix. Topics include Rage publishing, the second team, multi-platform support, the ammount of QuakeCon announcements and more.

AMD Zone has posted an article format interview with id's Marty Stratton, asking the company's Director of Business Development about QuakeZero, QuakeCon, competitive gaming and the new Wolfenstein movie.