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Feature: Games
Quake 4 for Linux
By Joe Barr
on
November 09, 2005 (8:00:00 AM)
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As soon as I read the news on Slashdot that id Software's just released Quake 4 was already available as both a Linux client and game server, I ran out and dropped $50 for the game. The box contained 4 CDs, a game guide, and a license key. But that's not enough to let you play Quake 4 on Linux.
Quake 4 is a big game. On my system, once you get past the opening ads, it takes about a minute to start a new game or to reload a saved game-in-progress. The default game settings are for full-screen mode at 640x480 resolution. I thought that with my PCI Express video card I might be able to run at a higher resolution, so I changed to 800x600 windowed play. I shouldn't have.
It was not unusual for me to experience a noticeable hitch during play at that resolution and mode. The graphics would freeze and the game would become unresponsive for a moment or two. I thought that doubling the 512MB of RAM I had on my system would help, and it did, but I still experienced momentary stalls in the action every few minutes, even though also I went back to the default video settings.
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You are Matthew Kane, a member of the elite Rhino Squad and part of the next massive invasion that spans across the entire Stroggos planet. Equipped with hi-tech weapons and vehicles, and teamed with a top Marine squadron, you soon realize this war is far from over. In fact, your worst nightmare is soon realized when you discover to defeat the Strogg, you must become one of them.
Single-player mode is Quake 4's big attraction. With 29 maps to wade through before the game's end, it provides hours of blood-letting, monster-killing, Strogg-splattering fun.
After a few hours of single-player game experience in Quake 4, I have only two tips for you. First, learn that you're not in it by yourself. Use the help provided by your fellow Marines. You'll find that not only do they offer you health, weaponry adjustments, and weapons as well, they also are pretty good at killing Stroggs when given the chance. Second, if you find a ladder but can't climb it, try the other side.
If you run into trouble, you'll find plenty of help out by using Google for hints, cheat codes, and walk-throughs. Many of the cheat codes for Doom 3 are the same in Quake 4.
Multiplayer mode
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The Quake 4 game browser's most prominent feature is its annoying mouse-over behavior. It seems impossible to navigate the browser without having the details of the game servers listed on the screen popping up and gettting in the way of what you want to see or click, very much like an intrusive Web site ad. In spite of that annoyance, you can choose from a thousand or so game servers to find a suitable match. Look for one with a low ping time.
Game servers
There are two types of servers: dedicated and not. When you run a non-dedicated server, you spawn both a game server and a client. On my system, only five players can play at once in this mode. But in addition to creating a playpen for pals, the non-dedicated server mode offers you a good way to get familiar with all the standard maps for multiplayer games.
To create a game server with client, start Quake 4 as normal and then choose Multiplayer and Create Server. Once there, you can configure the server to your liking. Choose one of the nine maps to play, the server name, and the type of server -- Internet or LAN -- to get started. You can also specify the type of game, choosing from Death Match, Team Death Match, Tourney, Capture the Flag, or Arena Capture the Flag. There are a number of other options you can set.
The second option is to run as a dedicated server. This means that if you want to play on your server, you'll have to log in from a client on another machine. It also means more people can play the game at once, since your machine is not being asked to play a resource-intensive 3D game at the same time it is providing server functionality. Use the command quake4-dedicated to start the server in this mode.
Why the back of the bus for Linux gamers?
Lots of Linux gamers are excited about the early availability of Quake 4 for their platform of choice. Personally, I enjoyed the game but not the business side of the deal. Here's why.
I paid the full retail price for a game that I can't run without considerable extra effort. I had to run all over the Internet to beg, borrow, or steal a download of the secret-sauce to transform the Windows version to one playable on Linux. The demand for the Linux version is great enough that a cottage industry has grown up around providing this and similar downloads, either through club membership, so you don't have to wait for a free queue choked down to the lowest possible limit, or simply by becoming a stationary receptor for ads auto-clicked for you. Further, id Software says Quake 4 is explicitly not supported on Linux. If you buy the game and run into a problem, good luck.
The game maker doesn't provide the Linux version out of the goodness of its heart. Not only do we pay full retail for the privilege of playing, but the dedicated Linux servers that we set up on the Internet contribute to the profit margin on the game. More servers means more people can play online, and that means more game sales.
How much effort would it take for id Software -- or any other firm -- to provide and support a ready-to-run Linux version of the game? The heavy lifting has already been done. All that remains to do is to provide packaging.
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Thanks for the tip on being in the "games" grup. I installed on Ubuntu Breezy, which doesn't have a "games" group by default, so the group would have to be added as well.
Joe Barr
I agree, it wouldn't be much effort to release the CD version complete with a Linux installer. I think the problem, though, is that the Linux installer wasn't ready when the game went gold. IIRC, id didn't expect to have Linux installer ready for a couple of weeks after Q4 went on sale, but ended up making much faster progress than expected.
I'm sure they take the stance of "Windows first, then get Linux going." So the question is whether they'll delay release just for including the Linux client. Given how crazy developers are just getting the Windows version to go gold, I don't see them holding off for Linux, not yet anyway.
I'm sure they take the stance of "Windows first, then get Linux going." So the question is whether they'll delay release just for including the Linux client. Given how crazy developers are just getting the Windows version to go gold, I don't see them holding off for Linux, not yet anyway.
I'm just amazed it works on Linux!
The need to download the linux installer is a bit nasty, but on the plus side, the linux version doesn't require the CD resp. DVD any more after installation, while Windows user must insert the CD to play because of the copy protection (of course there are ways to bypass that, but that means eighter installing a crack or using a virtual CD drive software that costs money, and you waste hard disk space for keeping a copy of a CD or DVD already installed).
The game itself (single player) is terrific; the screenshots look much like Doom3 but the gameplay is IMO much better. You need strong nerves, though, this is definitely not a game for kids. Probably the most intense gaming experience I've ever had. Don't expect much from multiplayer mode, it is much like Q3 arena with new graphics and maps. Better get UT2004 for multiplayer matches.
The game itself (single player) is terrific; the screenshots look much like Doom3 but the gameplay is IMO much better. You need strong nerves, though, this is definitely not a game for kids. Probably the most intense gaming experience I've ever had. Don't expect much from multiplayer mode, it is much like Q3 arena with new graphics and maps. Better get UT2004 for multiplayer matches.
Why does it perform worse than in Windows?
Posted by: Anonymous Coward on November 10, 2005 08:21 PM
I got this hoping it'd be a good performer on Linux, it being native and all, but was dissapointed to find that it was only playable on medium settings, on a rig that should have been able to do better. I was even more dismayed when I tried it on my Windows partition and found that it played fine with high settings (there was one particular part where it ground to a halt on linux with high but ran fine on Windows). I also found the sound was noticably lower quality with Linux. It annoys me as I'd love to remove my Windows partition, and other games like UT2004 worked without any noticable difference.
I don't know how valid an explanation this is, but a comment on Lc noted that Linux's best performance on iD games usually comes in the second or third patch rather than the first release.
Probably just a matter of all resources being used on the Windows version and the Linux version being worked on only as they have time.
Joe Barr
Assuming that the Quake4 installer is the same as the previous id installers, you don't need to create the directory yourself - just run the installer first, and then when it's done, copy the files from the CDs. Certainly RtCW and Doom3 have both worked that way, and I can't see Quake4 being different.
Secondly, I believe that all of the recent id games initially require you to press Ctrl-Alt-~ to get the console. There is a flag in the console to change this behaviour to the more normal ` option.
Secondly, I believe that all of the recent id games initially require you to press Ctrl-Alt-~ to get the console. There is a flag in the console to change this behaviour to the more normal ` option.
You think that is complicated?????
Stop using existing distro's and make your own...
Linux From Scratch... do a google on it and then come back to us and tell us installing quake4 is complecated...
Linux is complecated... thats why it goes faster than windows...
Stop using existing distro's and make your own...
Linux From Scratch... do a google on it and then come back to us and tell us installing quake4 is complecated...
Linux is complecated... thats why it goes faster than windows...
You tried to download it almost as soon as it game out, of course there was demand which interfered with you getting the game from the official mirror.
If you tried to get it now, or even a day or two later, you would have no problem downloading it. I'm also betting that there would have been a torrent up pretty quickly after release that you could also have chosen to use.
If you tried to get it now, or even a day or two later, you would have no problem downloading it. I'm also betting that there would have been a torrent up pretty quickly after release that you could also have chosen to use.
Wait, so you're complaining that the installation process is slightly more difficult on an operating system that is part of a few trillion brethren, all of which have their own ideas of how to install software?
You can't blame ID for any more than not including the installer right on their CD, the rest of it is up to the distro you're running, and even then I wouldn't blame them - their real demographic isn't Linux, it's Windows.
Use a better operating system and stop whining.
You can't blame ID for any more than not including the installer right on their CD, the rest of it is up to the distro you're running, and even then I wouldn't blame them - their real demographic isn't Linux, it's Windows.
Use a better operating system and stop whining.
Bull.
Epic (Or whoever it is that makes Unreal Tournament now) Has included a fully functional installer for all versions of UT.
Bioware has provided a Linux installer for NWN.
id HAS ALREADY provided installers for other titles AND HAS PROMISED that Q4 would be available on linux at release.
I think the author's gripe about the need to download the installer is perfectly valid. There is no reason NOT to include the installer on one of the CDs, other than laziness.
Granted the majority of product demand comes form the windows platform, but's no longer as valid a concern as it once was.
Had they done their jobs correctly, the only step needed should have been to run the installer from the CD (or possibly copy it to the HD first)
Epic (Or whoever it is that makes Unreal Tournament now) Has included a fully functional installer for all versions of UT.
Bioware has provided a Linux installer for NWN.
id HAS ALREADY provided installers for other titles AND HAS PROMISED that Q4 would be available on linux at release.
I think the author's gripe about the need to download the installer is perfectly valid. There is no reason NOT to include the installer on one of the CDs, other than laziness.
Granted the majority of product demand comes form the windows platform, but's no longer as valid a concern as it once was.
Had they done their jobs correctly, the only step needed should have been to run the installer from the CD (or possibly copy it to the HD first)
Bioware has provided a Linux installer for NWN.
Actually, no, they didn't. There is indeed a nice graphical installer for NWN, but it's created by a third party, nothing to do with Bioware.
Their official procedure requires either manually digging around in the Windows CAB files, or downloading all the data files despite having them on the CD already. Credit to them for creating a Linux version of the game, but none for making it easy to install.
Actually, no, they didn't. There is indeed a nice graphical installer for NWN, but it's created by a third party, nothing to do with Bioware.
Their official procedure requires either manually digging around in the Windows CAB files, or downloading all the data files despite having them on the CD already. Credit to them for creating a Linux version of the game, but none for making it easy to install.
I already covered the fact that not including a Linux installer wouldn't necessarily be excusable - except when you realize their demographic is mostly Windows.
You obviously seem to not be able to understand the rest of the post, so I'll just leave it at that.
You obviously seem to not be able to understand the rest of the post, so I'll just leave it at that.
I'm pretty sure I have a better OS than yours.
You see I run debian. Any your ignorance indicates you likely run windows.
While your CPU has probably been pegged for the last several years running code from script kiddies, anti-virus and virus software - I have enjoyed computing bliss.
My computer does exactly what I want it to and nothing more. You computer is just a punk bitch to malware writers.
So suck it down, Beeeaaatcch!
You see I run debian. Any your ignorance indicates you likely run windows.
While your CPU has probably been pegged for the last several years running code from script kiddies, anti-virus and virus software - I have enjoyed computing bliss.
My computer does exactly what I want it to and nothing more. You computer is just a punk bitch to malware writers.
So suck it down, Beeeaaatcch!
Silly Zealot. Blinded by your own superiority complex.
Windows is, indeed, a better desktop OS. You may think otherwise, and you're entitled to your opinion, but it's zealots like you that don't see the shortcomings of desktop linux or the excellence of windows as a desktop OS that keep it in a niche market.
Windows is, indeed, a better desktop OS. You may think otherwise, and you're entitled to your opinion, but it's zealots like you that don't see the shortcomings of desktop linux or the excellence of windows as a desktop OS that keep it in a niche market.
Silly Zealot. Blinded by your own superiority complex.
GNU/Linux can, indeed, be a better desktop OS. You may think otherwise, and you're entitled to your opinion, but it's zealots like you that don't see the shortcomings of MS Windows or the excellence of certain GNU/Linux distributions as a desktop OS that keep it in a monopoly like position.
GNU/Linux can, indeed, be a better desktop OS. You may think otherwise, and you're entitled to your opinion, but it's zealots like you that don't see the shortcomings of MS Windows or the excellence of certain GNU/Linux distributions as a desktop OS that keep it in a monopoly like position.
"Windows is, indeed, a better desktop OS."
Statement of opinion as objective fact. How enlightened.
Please enlighten me further by explaining how one recovers from a graphical lockup without rebooting in windows XP/2003/Longhorn/ if random program x is glitchy.
Or do I have to "benefit" from the superiority of it taking the whole system down just because the GUI froze.
Please explain to me where during the windows setup process I can install all necessary drivers, office software, media players, accounting packages, 3d design suites and all major competing web browsers and email clients if I want to.
Oh no - that's right, I have to "benefit" from "superior" features like spending 800 dollars on basic productivity software before I start.
I also have to "benefit" from having to download drivers unless I want vesa only and NO WORKING USB 2 FOR 2-300 DOLLARS!
Please explain how, under windows my girlfriend can use my processor if she's gaming and wants to play audio on her machine without costing fps?
Oh yeah, can't be done at all because of all that superiority jazz.
Please explain how I can drop a commercial linux binary onto a windows system and run it if I need to like wine can the other way around?
Oh yeah - I have to benefit from not being able to do that too. Real superior.
Please explain how a proper drag'n'drop implementation can be switched on under windows - oh yeah - it's superior so it doesn't have that!
Please explain how an average email-using person can use their mousewheel and right button to use as many copy-and-paste slots as they they want on a standard windows install?
Oh yeah - we have to benefit from an archaic clipboard that can't do that.
Please explain how I can chain together any desktop apps of my choice using any programming language I like, or the shell, or DCOP, to automate almost any task without learning anything new?
Oh, can't do that?
Superior? Windows doesn't even vaguely compete, and I say that not as a linux zealot, but as someone whose computer would be basically ruined by having windows on it now.
Don't talk out of your hat.
Statement of opinion as objective fact. How enlightened.
Please enlighten me further by explaining how one recovers from a graphical lockup without rebooting in windows XP/2003/Longhorn/ if random program x is glitchy.
Or do I have to "benefit" from the superiority of it taking the whole system down just because the GUI froze.
Please explain to me where during the windows setup process I can install all necessary drivers, office software, media players, accounting packages, 3d design suites and all major competing web browsers and email clients if I want to.
Oh no - that's right, I have to "benefit" from "superior" features like spending 800 dollars on basic productivity software before I start.
I also have to "benefit" from having to download drivers unless I want vesa only and NO WORKING USB 2 FOR 2-300 DOLLARS!
Please explain how, under windows my girlfriend can use my processor if she's gaming and wants to play audio on her machine without costing fps?
Oh yeah, can't be done at all because of all that superiority jazz.
Please explain how I can drop a commercial linux binary onto a windows system and run it if I need to like wine can the other way around?
Oh yeah - I have to benefit from not being able to do that too. Real superior.
Please explain how a proper drag'n'drop implementation can be switched on under windows - oh yeah - it's superior so it doesn't have that!
Please explain how an average email-using person can use their mousewheel and right button to use as many copy-and-paste slots as they they want on a standard windows install?
Oh yeah - we have to benefit from an archaic clipboard that can't do that.
Please explain how I can chain together any desktop apps of my choice using any programming language I like, or the shell, or DCOP, to automate almost any task without learning anything new?
Oh, can't do that?
Superior? Windows doesn't even vaguely compete, and I say that not as a linux zealot, but as someone whose computer would be basically ruined by having windows on it now.
Don't talk out of your hat.
Your comments are so utterly ridiculous they hardly even warrant me wasting 10 seconds to reply telling you what an idiot you are.
I run Gentoo Linux and have a deep understanding of most variants of UNIX. I haven't run Windows on any of my machines for a very long time - in any form.
I run Gentoo Linux and have a deep understanding of most variants of UNIX. I haven't run Windows on any of my machines for a very long time - in any form.
I'm supposing this must be a troll, but it's kind of silly even for a troll. It's obvious you don't understand the issue and don't know what you're talking about.
There is no issue of the installation being different on different distributions. The only installation issues are that the installer isn't included on the CDs and that copies of the files don't receive the proper permissions by default. If the installation program were on the CDs, it could take care of copying the files with the proper permission itself.
So you're right in that you can't blame Id much for more than not including the installer on the CDs, but that's pretty much the only issue; there is no "rest."
If you use a better operating system than Linux, I don't think you can play Quake 4 at all. What have they released it for besides Linux and Windows?
There is no issue of the installation being different on different distributions. The only installation issues are that the installer isn't included on the CDs and that copies of the files don't receive the proper permissions by default. If the installation program were on the CDs, it could take care of copying the files with the proper permission itself.
So you're right in that you can't blame Id much for more than not including the installer on the CDs, but that's pretty much the only issue; there is no "rest."
If you use a better operating system than Linux, I don't think you can play Quake 4 at all. What have they released it for besides Linux and Windows?
He's complaining about the installation altogether.
I didn't plan on advertising, but since you inbreds have an amazingly difficult time understanding anything, I'll put this simple; use Gentoo and try installing Quake4.
I didn't plan on advertising, but since you inbreds have an amazingly difficult time understanding anything, I'll put this simple; use Gentoo and try installing Quake4.
XBox?
Are you hoping to convert anyone? trawling on linux.com when you obviously run the 'better' operating system ? Get yourself a job or a hobby
I take full responsibility for the above post, and have decided to actually register an account so I can keep track of how many tards I try to enlighten.
1. I downloaded the Linux client installer the night before the game itself was released. The download came to me at my full 2Mb bandwidth. Perhaps you need to learn about the legitimate uses of BitTorrent, and the ethics behind sharing your bandwidth with others rather than simply leeching off some ftp server somewhere.
2. You can install the game anywhere on your system. The default place is simply a suggestion.
3. You don't have to install the game as root.
4. What is so difficult about clicking your mouse button and dragging a few files from the CD/DVD over to the place you chose to install the game to?
5. Try running the game in full screen mode, and see if your frame rate improves. I may be wrong, but you might find higher resolutions are possible while still having the game being playable in full screen mode. This works nicely on my 6800 series graphics card, which actually gives better frame rates at 1024*768 than it does at 640*480.
6. While id Software may not provide official support, whatever that is, they do answer intelligent e-mails, and post solutions to people's problems in a public place for everyone to see. Ask yourself a question, would you rather speak to some bod in a call centre in a distant land who is reading from a preprinted card, or would you like to make use of a forum in a language you understand?
7. Google is your friend regarding the Audigy 2 sound card, which does work nicely on Linux.
8. Enjoy!<nobr> <wbr></nobr>;)
2. You can install the game anywhere on your system. The default place is simply a suggestion.
3. You don't have to install the game as root.
4. What is so difficult about clicking your mouse button and dragging a few files from the CD/DVD over to the place you chose to install the game to?
5. Try running the game in full screen mode, and see if your frame rate improves. I may be wrong, but you might find higher resolutions are possible while still having the game being playable in full screen mode. This works nicely on my 6800 series graphics card, which actually gives better frame rates at 1024*768 than it does at 640*480.
6. While id Software may not provide official support, whatever that is, they do answer intelligent e-mails, and post solutions to people's problems in a public place for everyone to see. Ask yourself a question, would you rather speak to some bod in a call centre in a distant land who is reading from a preprinted card, or would you like to make use of a forum in a language you understand?
7. Google is your friend regarding the Audigy 2 sound card, which does work nicely on Linux.
8. Enjoy!<nobr> <wbr></nobr>;)
I downloaded the torrent from ids web site. Didnt have a probelem getting the file.
I call bullsh*t on your point 1 as the Linux installer did not come out (at least on zerowings official id site) until the day AFTER the game was available for purchase in stores.
I live in Europe.
I downloaded the Linux client on the Thursday night.
The game was not available in the shops here until the Friday.<nobr> <wbr></nobr>;)
I downloaded the Linux client on the Thursday night.
The game was not available in the shops here until the Friday.<nobr> <wbr></nobr>;)
So.. The ftp server was full. Why didnt you just download the torren from id site? It was right beside the link for the ftp. I downloaed it as soon as it came out seening as how I had the game preordered.
Looks like Gentoo already has an ebuild for Quake 4<nobr> <wbr></nobr>:)
I downloaded the install from id softwares FTP within 2 hrs it was released, yeah max user, but ever heard of a download manager... or the torrent.
Ive got it installed very quickly and easily, no problems. The game runs very smooth and load times are slashed compared to under windows.
ID Software have to be one of the leading companies in terms of providing quality ports to linux and mac. Look at quake 2/3 doom3 etc...
Ive got it installed very quickly and easily, no problems. The game runs very smooth and load times are slashed compared to under windows.
ID Software have to be one of the leading companies in terms of providing quality ports to linux and mac. Look at quake 2/3 doom3 etc...
I agree that the article shounldn't have bashed them for th eFTP site being slow and non-reponsive. But, I would have to agree with the last paragraph where the author asks why there isn't decent packaging of the product. If they did the same thing with the windows version no one would buy it and they would be out of business. I think it's too bad that ID doesn't put in the same effort to make the installation as smooth and easy as the windows users demand. I for one am more than happy to pay for Quake 4 and run it on LINUX and I hope that id realizes that there is a market for games on LINUX, you will make money off of people like me.
For those who may not know where to go, you can access the torrent tracker through the Quake 4 wiki:
zerowing.idsoftware.com/linux/quake4/
Really, torrents are the best way to go for this kind of thing especially when trying to download the file at a very popular time. This page also has additional information about getting the game running under Linux.
Additionally, I think it is a bit unfair to bash id/Raven for their Linux support when the vast majority of games are not supported on Linux because there is *no* native Linux option. Yes, the install takes more work because they obviously focus more of their attention on the Windows platform, but I greatly appreciate their Linux efforts. However, I do wish more documentation was provided for dedicated server operation.
zerowing.idsoftware.com/linux/quake4/
Really, torrents are the best way to go for this kind of thing especially when trying to download the file at a very popular time. This page also has additional information about getting the game running under Linux.
Additionally, I think it is a bit unfair to bash id/Raven for their Linux support when the vast majority of games are not supported on Linux because there is *no* native Linux option. Yes, the install takes more work because they obviously focus more of their attention on the Windows platform, but I greatly appreciate their Linux efforts. However, I do wish more documentation was provided for dedicated server operation.
With performance issues like that, on hardware like that, I'd suspect that maybe you're running "nv" instead of "nvidia"? Or have GLX disabled, or something like that.
I think the problem with packaging stems from the large failure of Loki Software, especially in Id's mind (although I'm hypothysizing). Id took a hit on Quake 3 Arena for Linux, with a large number of copies being produced prior to major market demand (I heard of numbers like 5 copies for each linux user). The fact that Id never saw a return on that investment has shaken them a bit. Don't get me wrong, Loki did produce some good software.
What they should do, and any other company that offers multiplatform packaging (PC/Mac in a box) is also add a Linux installer. The Loki installer is probably the most non-ditribution specific easy to use installation routine available (Loki really did well on that score). Adding it and the accompanying readme file that people need to download wouldn't be that hard. So what if you delay publishing by a week. The goal is to get mass market penetration as soon as possible, and without the Linux server packages, that can't happen anyways.
What they should do, and any other company that offers multiplatform packaging (PC/Mac in a box) is also add a Linux installer. The Loki installer is probably the most non-ditribution specific easy to use installation routine available (Loki really did well on that score). Adding it and the accompanying readme file that people need to download wouldn't be that hard. So what if you delay publishing by a week. The goal is to get mass market penetration as soon as possible, and without the Linux server packages, that can't happen anyways.
Some drivers drop HW acceleration in windowed mode..
Maybe this was the cause of your problems in 800x600 windowed?
IMHO you should try 800x600 fullscreen to see if it helps.
Maybe this was the cause of your problems in 800x600 windowed?
IMHO you should try 800x600 fullscreen to see if it helps.
linux doesn't even have a standard install procedure for anything. you can't depend on specific versions of compilers, libraries, or even standard locations for the above!
There's no standardization even within a distro - binary compatibility is a fiction. Drivers are horrible if they even exist, and I can't even use half the features anyways. Good luck getting speed out of a linux game, esp. Quake4 lol!
Maybe a standard ABI for drivers would be nice, then we could get some driver support?? Maybe instead of complaining how much work it takes to install a game, write an article about how annoying ANY software installation is on the OS.
Use some common sense. Even offering Quake 4 to such a pitifully small bunch of whiny nerds surely took a lot of guts, imagine how annoyed these ppl must be to see their hard work pissed on.
There's no standardization even within a distro - binary compatibility is a fiction. Drivers are horrible if they even exist, and I can't even use half the features anyways. Good luck getting speed out of a linux game, esp. Quake4 lol!
Maybe a standard ABI for drivers would be nice, then we could get some driver support?? Maybe instead of complaining how much work it takes to install a game, write an article about how annoying ANY software installation is on the OS.
Use some common sense. Even offering Quake 4 to such a pitifully small bunch of whiny nerds surely took a lot of guts, imagine how annoyed these ppl must be to see their hard work pissed on.
I see you either failed to read the article, didn't understand it, or totally ignored what it said. There are no installation issues with the game other than the fact that the installer is not included on the CDs and (really because of this) you have to copy a few files manually. What's really funny is that the Linux versions of these games tend to be faster than the Windows versions (sometimes not until after a few patches because the Linux version has less resources devoted to it and develops a bit more slowly). It's not like there are no games with the Linux installer included in the package. Despite this, however, I hesitate to criticize Id about Linux support because the developers there are such big Linux fans and only make a Linux version because they want to, not because of the advice of their financial people.
You are the same lame sucker as before no ?
About binary compatibility for commercial software... Care to explain how comes the jre (not a simple piece of software) runs on every linux distro out there ? same for flash ? same for acrobat ?
About binary compatibility for commercial software... Care to explain how comes the jre (not a simple piece of software) runs on every linux distro out there ? same for flash ? same for acrobat ?
You are the same lame sucker as before no ?<nobr> <wbr></nobr>.. my thoughts exactly. Sounds like he has lots to say, and nothing to add.
it's the same installer for all Linuxes, so
Posted by: Anonymous Coward on November 10, 2005 10:59 AM
not including it on the CD is really lame. Makes no sense at all- what's the big secret? Is this a tactic for controlling "piracy"?
I too get tired of paying full freight for products, but not getting full support.
I too get tired of paying full freight for products, but not getting full support.
The DVD for Unreal Tournament 2004 has a fully-fledged Linux graphical installer that works perfectly. If EPIC/Atari can do it, the so can id. software. It's in their interests to do it - the bigger the audience they can sell to, the more $$$ they get. It's a no-brainer, surely?
So, what's the big deal? All this whining for a great game that runs on linux?
I personally really don't mind if the installation procedure is a bit more work in Linux than Windows. I think it took me 5 mins + bittorrent download time for installation -- not a big deal at all. It's really great that id makes Linux builds while most game makers won't even consider Linux for anything else than game servers.
I have Audigy 2 + Geforce 6600 and the game runs with no problems. Gentoo is a friend.
I personally really don't mind if the installation procedure is a bit more work in Linux than Windows. I think it took me 5 mins + bittorrent download time for installation -- not a big deal at all. It's really great that id makes Linux builds while most game makers won't even consider Linux for anything else than game servers.
I have Audigy 2 + Geforce 6600 and the game runs with no problems. Gentoo is a friend.
Only naive people download from ID's FTP...smart people use their BitTorrent tracker.
But I agree that Linux version on the original CD would be great.
But I agree that Linux version on the original CD would be great.
that would be windows dude.....
hi all, i have a strange problem. I have installed quake4 with official linux patch. When the time came, i put my CDkey. But all i get is invalid cdkey message. I write it without spaces or dashes, i also tried upper or lower case. But still the same error. For sure i tried the cdkey on win pc and there it works. Any ideas? I would be very happy cause i have bought yesterday nvidia6600 just to play Quake. thankx for ideas @=
Same issue here and when paying for a game you realy want to play and you dont have windows it is frustrating. Probably someone have opened the box in the store. Anyway here is how I fixed it whitout stopping the network completely:
vi<nobr> <wbr></nobr>/etc/hosts
then add
127.0.0.1 q4master.idsoftware.com
save and laucnh the game using the cd key provided on the cd case.
I just hope ID will be able to help me for online play.
vi<nobr> <wbr></nobr>/etc/hosts
then add
127.0.0.1 q4master.idsoftware.com
save and laucnh the game using the cd key provided on the cd case.
I just hope ID will be able to help me for online play.
if you do this in your<nobr> <wbr></nobr>/etc/hosts you can load the game but you can't play only because they didn't valid your cdkey
Double check the case. As I recall, it didn't matter in Quake 3 but it does in Quake 4.
I have no interest in converting anyone, which is precisely why I didn't mention my operating system.
I run Gentoo Linux, by the way.
Get a job, hobby and intellect.
I run Gentoo Linux, by the way.
Get a job, hobby and intellect.
as i told, i tried UP and LOW cases, there is no place for dashes and spaces, so i put it without. I also checked the key few times. I also tried to put number from numlock and also from normal keybord numbres.
probably U haven't unique CDKey (]:->) my tip - turn off network interfaces (in gentoo<nobr> <wbr></nobr>/etc/init.d/net.eth0 stop ) - start quake4 - type CDKey without dashes - should works - but rememeber - don't start game with net interfaces up cuz game check always authentication of CDKey with server
This install isn't as big of a head-ache as the author makes it sound. Maybe he is new to linux or something (and after reading another extremely out-of-date, n00b article here on linux.com I can only imagine thats the case). I didnt have any troubles (other than getting the game itself). It was no more difficult to install than Doom 3 or any other good game.
Depends on the distro and whether or not you had libsdl already installed.
What I don't get is why iD didn't prepackage a statically linked libsdl ala UT2004 that would have prevented certain issues in the Debian based distro's.
*shrugs*
It works on my OS of choice, so who cares?
What I don't get is why iD didn't prepackage a statically linked libsdl ala UT2004 that would have prevented certain issues in the Debian based distro's.
*shrugs*
It works on my OS of choice, so who cares?
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I torrented the linux<nobr> <wbr></nobr>.run file took 8 minutes. I have a gl issue but i have to fix it in my system for other games also so i dont care. I agree with the fact they should do a better job of providing out-of-box service to linux users. also linux users are used to a lil work. If it is made to be as easy as windows, it'll turn as crappy as windows.
If you are using gentoo you can simply insert the CD/DVD and type "emerge quake4" and it will be installed (prompting you for the activation key)
Most bizarre thing, I managed to install quake 4 get over the permission thing but the game only plays in spanish. Nowt wrong with that except Im english and only know one word in spanish. How do I fix this?
Thanks
Thanks
As for the language problem:
1) open nautilus or any file browser as superuser
2) be sure to have "Show hidden files" or similar checked in browser
3) navigate to:<nobr> <wbr></nobr>/home/*yourhomefolder*/.quake4/q4base/Quake4Confi<nobr>g<wbr></nobr> .cfg
4) it's just a text file, open it (rename to<nobr> <wbr></nobr>.txt and change back afterwards if nessecary) and search for the line: seta sys_lang "spanish"
5) Change, save, run Q4, kick some alien-butt;)
1) open nautilus or any file browser as superuser
2) be sure to have "Show hidden files" or similar checked in browser
3) navigate to:<nobr> <wbr></nobr>/home/*yourhomefolder*/.quake4/q4base/Quake4Confi<nobr>g<wbr></nobr> .cfg
4) it's just a text file, open it (rename to<nobr> <wbr></nobr>.txt and change back afterwards if nessecary) and search for the line: seta sys_lang "spanish"
5) Change, save, run Q4, kick some alien-butt;)
why does my quake4 always ask me to enter my CDKEY?
it pisses me off to be entering every single time i want to play quake... i have set permissions to .quake4 +775
it pisses me off to be entering every single time i want to play quake... i have set permissions to .quake4 +775
Quake 4
Posted by: Fletch on November 09, 2005 09:09 PM#