In a remarkable turn of events, the gaming community finds itself celebrating not one, but two significant developments in the Quake franchise. As part of the 30th anniversary festivities at this year’s QuakeCon, the original Quake has unveiled an official new episode. Meanwhile, Raven Software’s Quake 4 has also made headlines with the unexpected discovery of a build from its previously cancelled expansion, now available on GitHub.
Rediscovering Quake 4: Awakening
The expansion, titled Quake 4: Awakening, was under development by Ritual Entertainment, the same team behind the upcoming remaster of SiN. Unfortunately, Activision decided to halt the project due to disappointing sales figures for the base game. For years, this expansion was presumed lost, until a serendipitous encounter changed everything.
A veteran game developer stumbled upon a copy of the expansion while sifting through the hard drive of a second-hand PC purchased online. This discovery came at a particularly challenging time in his life, as he shared on the GitHub page for the expansion. “I came across this at a very sad point in my life… literally this essentially saved my life,” he recounted, reflecting on the emotional weight of finding something so nostalgic during a personal crisis.
The developer, known as Marshall, expressed his gratitude for the unexpected find, which he believes could offer a new lease on life for the project. His story resonates deeply within the gaming community, where nostalgia and innovation often intertwine.
While skepticism about the authenticity of the build could arise, several indicators suggest its legitimacy. Notably, the configuration files contain names of former Ritual employees, including the renowned Duke Nukem 3D level designer Richard ‘Levelord’ Grey and Michael ‘RomSteady’ Russell, who has previously discussed the Quake 4 expansion. Russell noted last year that the expansion was “95% done” before its cancellation, lending credence to the current discovery.
Gameplay footage shared by YouTuber pagb666 showcases the first three missions of the expansion, introducing players to new weapons, such as a cryo cannon, and even a mech piloting sequence—an homage to the era’s penchant for mechanized combat. Although some elements appear unfinished, the overall state of the build aligns with Russell’s assessment of its near-completion.
Marshall’s motivation for uploading the expansion centers on preservation and the hope that the community can breathe new life into it. With its current state, the potential for refinement and eventual release seems promising, inviting enthusiasts to engage with a piece of gaming history that almost faded into obscurity.
