Classic FPS Quake Back in the Spotlight After Trademark Filing

by

As a huge Quake fan, I just saw some interesting news! ZeniMax Media, who own Bethesda and id Software, filed a trademark for the word “QUAKE” on March 3, 2026. It doesn’t guarantee a new game is coming, but it definitely suggests they’re planning to do something with the franchise, which is awesome! They’re clearly protecting the brand for future use, and that gives me hope for more Quake in the future.

The trademark application was submitted about five days before news of it became public. The mark features the word “QUAKE” in bold, uppercase letters, using a font reminiscent of previous games in the series. Interestingly, the application doesn’t include the classic Quake logo – the well-known semicircle with a nail.

As a huge Quake fan, I’ve noticed the timing of this is really cool! 2026 will mark 30 years since the original Quake came out – a game that basically helped define 3D first-person shooters as we know them. They’d already announced QuakeCon 2026 and were planning on making a big deal out of the ’30’ to celebrate the anniversary, so this all just fits perfectly!

Quake is a hugely important game in the history of first-person shooters and 3D gaming. Like Half-Life, which is known for its innovative game design, and Doom, a classic shooter, Quake left a lasting mark. Its release wasn’t just another game; it helped revolutionize how 3D games and online multiplayer shooters were made.

This game series helped develop technology that many other games would later use. A prime example is Counter-Strike, widely considered the most popular shooter ever made – it was originally created using a modified version of the Quake Engine developed by Valve.

Although Quake was once hugely popular, the series hasn’t seen much activity lately. The most recent game, Quake Champions, was released as a free-to-play online arena shooter in early access in 2017. It took several years of development, but was finally completed in 2022.

Compared to id Software’s popular Doom and Wolfenstein games, the Quake franchise hasn’t seen much development or new releases lately. Aside from updated versions of older games, there haven’t been many announcements about new Quake titles.

I remember when Quake Champions came out – they were trying to bring Quake back with a free-to-play online game. It was all about fast-paced arena battles and each character having unique abilities. Honestly, though, the player base really dropped off, and now it’s tough to find a full lobby. It’s a shame, because the core gameplay was solid, but it just didn’t stick.

ZeniMax Media’s trademark filing is typical for this kind of legal process. Word-mark trademarks usually need to be renewed every decade. This application, filed on March 3, 2026, makes sense because ‘Quake Champions’ first became available in early access back in 2017, aligning with the standard renewal timeframe.

The way the trademark’s name is written has led some to wonder if the franchise’s overall look is changing. However, the trademark filing uses a basic, standard font – a common way to legally protect words and letters. This simple style doesn’t mean the logo has been redesigned or that the brand is getting a new visual identity.

There’s been talk that id Software might bring back the series, as they’ve successfully revived older franchises before. For example, the recent Doom games were a fresh start that focused on a strong single-player experience and broadened the series with new installments.

The continued popularity of Quake ties into the recent trend of “boomer shooters”—new games that take inspiration from classic first-person shooters. These games often prioritize single-player experiences and tell stories in a more subtle way, rather than through direct cutscenes. DUSK and Ultrakill are two well-known examples of this style.

Despite some rumors, there’s no confirmation of a new Quake game in development right now. The recent trademark filing simply means ZeniMax Media has renewed the rights to the Quake name.

Industry events are coming up that could be used for announcements. The Game Developers Conference, happening March 9-13, isn’t typically where major game reveals happen, but people are wondering if something related to Quake might be shown there anyway.

We might also see announcements at events later this year, like PAX East in March and Summer Game Fest in June. Both of these events are known for developers and publishers showcasing new games.

Even though people are still guessing about what id Software is working on, the company is currently focused on the Doom series. Hugo Martin, the director of Doom: The Dark Ages, recently shared that they’re planning a large amount of downloadable content for the game, suggesting the team is still heavily invested in that project.

Quake Champions officially launched in 2022, offering a fast-paced, competitive arena shooter focused on multiplayer action. This helps differentiate it from the recent Doom title, Doom: The Dark Ages, which is designed as a purely single-player game.

Fans have noted it’s been a long time since the last single-player Quake game. With Quake 4 coming out over 20 years ago, people are still wondering if we’ll ever see another game in that style.

Okay, so I just saw that ZeniMax officially re-registered the ‘Quake’ trademark – like, they own the name again! It basically means they’re planning to keep using it, which is awesome news for fans like me. Good to know the Quake legacy is safe!

Read More

2026-03-10 09:17