32 Facts About QuakeCon

What is QuakeCon?

QuakeCon is an annual gaming convention hosted by id Software, known for its first-person shooter games like Doom and Quake. Gamers from all over the world gather to celebrate, compete, and connect. Here are some fascinating facts about this iconic event.

1. Started in 1996: QuakeCon began as a small gathering of 30-40 people in a Best Western hotel in Garland, Texas.

2. Free Admission: The event has always been free to attend, thanks to the support of sponsors and volunteers.

3. BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer): One of the main attractions is the massive BYOC area where gamers can set up their own rigs and play together.

4. Largest LAN Party in North America: QuakeCon is known for hosting the largest LAN party in North America, with thousands of gamers connecting their computers.

5. Held in Dallas, Texas: The convention has been held in various locations around Dallas, Texas, since its inception.

6. id Software's Involvement: The event is organized by id Software, the creators of Quake and Doom.

Competitions and Tournaments

QuakeCon is famous for its intense gaming competitions and tournaments. Players compete for glory, prizes, and bragging rights.

7. Quake Tournaments: The event features high-stakes Quake tournaments, attracting top players from around the world.

8. Doom Competitions: Doom, another iconic game by id Software, also has its own set of competitive events.

9. Esports: QuakeCon has become a significant event in the esports calendar, with professional teams and players participating.

10. Cash Prizes: Winners of the tournaments can take home substantial cash prizes, sometimes reaching tens of thousands of dollars.

11. Custom Trophies: Champions receive unique, custom-made trophies to commemorate their victories.

Community and Culture

QuakeCon is more than just a gaming event; it's a community gathering where friendships are forged, and memories are made.

12. Volunteer-Driven: The event relies heavily on volunteers, known as "QuakeCon Staff," who help with everything from setup to security.

13. Charity Work: QuakeCon often includes charity drives, raising money for various causes through auctions and donations.

14. Cosplay: Attendees often dress up as their favorite gaming characters, adding a colorful and creative element to the event.

15. Panels and Workshops: The convention features panels and workshops where industry experts share insights and discuss the latest in gaming technology.

16. Exhibit Hall: The exhibit hall showcases the latest gaming hardware, software, and merchandise from various vendors.

Memorable Moments

Over the years, QuakeCon has had its share of unforgettable moments that have become part of its rich history.

17. John Carmack's Keynotes: John Carmack, co-founder of id Software, used to deliver highly anticipated keynotes, discussing the future of gaming technology.

18. Surprise Announcements: The event has been the stage for surprise game announcements and reveals, exciting the gaming community.

19. Record-Breaking Attendance: In 2014, QuakeCon set a record with over 9,000 attendees.

20. Epic LAN Parties: The BYOC area has seen some of the most epic LAN parties, with gamers playing non-stop for days.

21. Modding Contests: QuakeCon has hosted modding contests, encouraging creativity and innovation within the gaming community.

Technological Innovations

QuakeCon has always been at the forefront of gaming technology, showcasing the latest advancements and innovations.

22. Virtual Reality: The event has featured VR demos, allowing attendees to experience the latest in virtual reality gaming.

23. Cutting-Edge Hardware: Vendors often showcase the latest gaming hardware, from high-performance graphics cards to advanced cooling systems.

24. Game Demos: Attendees get to try out demos of upcoming games, sometimes months before their official release.

25. Networking Technology: The LAN setup at QuakeCon is a marvel of networking technology, ensuring smooth and fast connections for thousands of gamers.

Fun and Entertainment

QuakeCon isn't just about gaming; it's also about having fun and enjoying various forms of entertainment.

26. Concerts: The event has hosted live concerts, featuring bands and artists popular within the gaming community.

27. Movie Screenings: Attendees can enjoy screenings of classic and new movies, often related to gaming or geek culture.

28. Tabletop Gaming: In addition to video games, QuakeCon includes areas for tabletop gaming, catering to fans of board games and card games.

29. Food and Drink: The convention offers a variety of food and drink options, including themed snacks and beverages.

30. Swag and Giveaways: Attendees can collect swag and participate in giveaways, taking home exclusive merchandise and prizes.

31. Social Events: QuakeCon hosts social events like mixers and parties, providing opportunities for attendees to meet and mingle.

32. Photo Ops: There are plenty of photo opportunities with life-sized game characters, props, and themed backdrops.

The Heart of QuakeCon

QuakeCon isn't just a gaming event; it's a celebration of community, innovation, and passion. From its humble beginnings in 1996, it has grown into a global phenomenon that attracts thousands of gamers, developers, and enthusiasts. The LAN parties, tournaments, and panels create an atmosphere of camaraderie and excitement.

Whether you're a hardcore gamer or just curious about the gaming world, QuakeCon offers something for everyone. The memories made, the friendships formed, and the knowledge gained are what make QuakeCon truly special.

So, if you ever get the chance to attend, don't hesitate. Dive into the world of QuakeCon and experience the magic for yourself. It's more than just an event; it's a tradition that continues to inspire and unite the gaming community year after year.