It's been a while since we last heard about QUAKE Live, but reports are starting to trickle through that their closed beta has started, with developers id Software progressively testing gameplay changes, user interface options and technology systems - and they'd appreciate your help!

First unveiled at QuakeCon 2007 as QUAKE Zero, QUAKE Live is an updated version of QUAKE III Arena that you can access and play through your web browser - for free!


So - your job as a beta tester, if you're lucky enough to be chosen - is to, y'know, test the game delivery mechanism, check out the core game technology and offer feedback on the gameplay and some levels. While we're told the servers will be up 24/7, there will be regular focus tests and special events on offer that they'd like you to take part in, and will send out emails about.

Please note that QUAKE LIVE is a work in progress and your experience as a beta tester does not reflect the final set of functionality that will be available. We encourage you to post comments, issues, suggestions and other feedback to the QUAKE LIVE forums. As a beta tester you are asked to keep your personal key, login information, account information, and all other information related to your participation in this program private and confidential.

While I'd love to ask if any of you are in the beta and want to share your thoughts, they do have a pesky non-disclosure agreement that does kinda prevent that from happening. This means, of course, if you want to know what all the fuss is about, you'll have to sign up yourself!

...and how do you do that? It's easy! Pop over to the QUAKE Live website, www.quakelive.com, and sign up in the Testing 1, 2... Free! box. They promise that they won't use your email for anything bad, but also explain that entering the draw does not guarantee you a spot in the beta test.

While we don't have any set release details for QUAKE Live, they are promising that it will be playable in a tournament situation at QuakeCon 09, which is in August, so fingers crossed the rest of us will get a copy by then too!