Quake: Is the Game of Generations Still Alive in 2025?

Most gamers have heard of or played at least one installment of Quake. This video game once kickstarted the era of esports and was considered one of the most promising titles of its time—and rightfully so. After the release of the first installment in 1996, this first-person shooter became a true breakthrough in the gaming industry. But how has the game of generations evolved, and is it still alive today? That’s exactly what we’ll explore in this article.

The History of Quake

As mentioned above, the first Quake game was released in 1996 and was initially positioned as a single-player game with 28 levels to complete. However, it also featured a multiplayer mode, which quickly gained popularity. At the time, no other video game matched Quake’s level of dynamism and action.

The second installment didn’t take long to arrive, launching in 1997. With this version, the developers gradually started focusing on online gameplay. However, the true hegemon of the entire series was Quake III Arena, released in 1999. If you associate Quake with any particular version, it’s likely this one. This game marked the beginning of large-scale esports tournaments, and QuakeCon became one of the most popular events of its time, setting early records for prize pools. The 2000s became the golden era for Quake.

Quake in the Modern Era

After its massive success in the 2000s, Quake gradually lost its hype. The next major release, Quake Live, came out in 2010—a remaster of the third installment. While it briefly regained popularity, it never reached its previous heights. The rise of modern esports disciplines such as Dota 2, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive further pushed Quake into the background of competitive gaming.

Another attempt to restore the franchise’s former glory came with the release of Quake Champions in 2017. This game featured modern graphics, refined mechanics, and realistic physics. Many fans welcomed the game, and its player base peaked at an average of 15,000 concurrent players. However, something was missing to compete with the leaders of the esports industry, and its popularity started to decline once again.

Quake in 2025

As of 2025, Quake Champions is no longer a leading esports discipline, with an average online player count of around 500 people. These numbers pale in comparison to the game's past success. One could say that competitive Quake is nearly dead, yet a loyal fan base still exists. Perhaps with new releases or strong marketing, Quake might reclaim its former glory in the future.

The decline of this legendary game can largely be attributed to competition from Counter-Strike and Dota 2, which are arguably easier to understand for players and more engaging for spectators at tournaments. However, if you're looking for a truly dynamic shooter, Quake Champions remains an excellent choice.