Updated on June 25 to add registration dates, prices and details about what will be at this year's show.
We knew QuakeCon would be returning to Grapevine in 2018, but now we know exactly when. The flashy, high-tech video game convention will take place August 9-12 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.
Registration for the show will begin Friday, June 29 at 7:30 a.m. General admission is free, and doesn't typically sell out. Space in the Bring Your Own Computer (BYOC) area, though, tends to go fast. One of those spots starts at $75 and goes all the way up to $400. For many, this is the biggest draw of the event, as it allows you to basically camp out and play video games with your friends (new and old) for four straight days.
That $75 tier mostly just gets you a guaranteed seat in the BYOC and a spot in any tournaments you want to participate in. For $200, you get all of that plus "QuakeCon Done Quick" status, getting you priority access into all of QuakeCon's panels and events. For $400 you also get VIP Customer Support, a premium BYOC chair and exclusive swag. You can get more info on those tiers on QuakeCon's website.
Good news on that front: QuakeCon organizers say the BYOC is doubling in size from last year. Seats at the event have sold out early for many years running, so in theory it will be great to get more people through the doors.
Hosted by Richardson game developer id Software (known for Doom, Wolfenstein and, you know, Quake) and its parent company, Bethesda, QuakeCon attracts thousands of gamers every year for its multi-day local area network (LAN) party. People from all over the world travel to the D-FW with their computers to hang out with like-minded people. Wander around the BYOC and you'll see groups playing hit games like Player Unknown's Battlegrounds, Rocket League, Overwatch and more -- usually with pizza and energy drinks within arm's reach. This year, I expect to see a lot of Fortnite: Battle Royale.
If camping out with your computer doesn't sound appealing, the QuakeCon expo floor is free for general attendees. It may not keep you busy for an entire weekend, but by visiting the show you should get a chance to play unreleased video games and might be able to win some free swag.
This year, attendees can expect to get glimpses of at least two huge, unreleased video games: Rage 2 and Doom Eternal. As announced at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, QuakeCon will mark the first-ever gameplay debut for the new Doom sequel. Given that the last game in the series was my favorite game of 2016, I'm very much looking forward to seeing what's next.
The BYOC doesn't close at night, but if you don't want to fall asleep in your chair, you should probably consider getting a room at the hotel. QuakeCon attendees can book a stay at the Gaylord for a special room rate of $185 per night.
