How does one define a cult status? How can it be achieved? The answer to these questions can be easily summed up by observing id Software's legacy. Since 1991, this then small Dallas-based developer has sent shockwaves with each one its games. Every game from id is not just a game but a technological breakthrough. The core focus at id Software (pronounced similar to "did" and defined by Freud as the primal section of the human psyche) is to make games that are easy to pick up, fast-paced and a blast to play.

In 1996, a small group of die-hard Quake fans decided to meet at Best Western hotel in Garland, Texas, (a couple of miles away from id Software's office) for an informal LAN party. The rest is history. QuakeCon 2008 is a testimony to a well-established tradition, deeply rooted among gamers. This year's QuakeCon brought close to 5,000 gamers to Hilton Anatole in Dallas. The Texas heat and steep gas prices could not stop a legion of fans to rally at what is known as the BYOC (bring your own computer) convention center. The BYOC was networked with close to 14 miles of ethernet cables that connected friends and foes who gamed around the clock for the duration of the event.

One of the highlights of every QuakeCon is John Carmack's keynote. At almost three hours long with a tradition of its own, id's chief technical brain was on the loose. Carmack talked about Apple's iPhone and its high potential for the next-generation mobile games. He also touched on id's next batch of technological spearheads: Rage and Doom 4. Rage is a first-person action game set in the post-apocalyptic lands of "Mad Max" and Fallout. It will be id's first game featuring Carmack's new 3D graphics engine — id Tech 5. The Rage world powered by his code and crafted by talented artists at id is unlike anything that we have seen. Photorealism packed in an adrenaline-gushing game is just about the only way to describe Rage. In order to avoid any unnecessary hype surrounding the game, check out the latest game trailer to experience the full effect. Carmack's goal for Rage is 60 frames per second on a wide array of computers. Another game that will follow Rage is Doom 4, which is bound to get the fans of the franchise excited. Carmack fielded questions at the end of his presentation from the audience, which ranged from technical mumbo jumbo to general stuff.

Regarding its current projects, id Software proudly informed everyone at this year's QuakeCon that the free online Quake 3 Web portal is almost finished. In fact, the big bad beta is in full swing, so head over to quakelive.com and jump into the game via your Web browser. Yes, you read it right: You will be able to play the game inside your Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox, whichever browser tickles your fancy. As a fan-based beta tester, I can attest to the pure awesomeness of Quake Live. The old game has been polished with the shiny graphics, and the old maps are there with some new ones. It is easy to jump into the game and play people over the net. The Web portal keeps tracks of your stats, gives you up-to-date leader boards info and provides a way to bond with the deathmatch-loving folks.

On the mobile side of things, all of you Java/BREW game-loving freaks will be glad to know that id Software is about to unleash another game into your phones. Wolfenstein RPG looks sharp, and it plays similar to the old Wolfy from 1992. The only difference is that the phone version of the game is turn-based.

The rest of the QuakeCon attendees were sponsors who provided over $100,000 in cash prizes and assisted to make this event happen. There also was tons of free swag given away to the visiting masses. Intel, AMD, ATI, Texas Instruments, Dell, Activision, Ventrilo (to name a few) pimped their warez in the Exhibit Hall. One of the noteworthy gizmos was a pair of special stereoscopic glasses from Texas Instruments; in conjunction with a special 3D DLP HDTV, the glasses allow gamers to play against each other on a full screen, thus eliminating the need for splitscreen duels. In other words, the independent game views are superimposed on the screen, and the glasses are able to let you see only your own view. Another futuristic and innovative product came from TN Games — a gaming vest laced with independently pulsating dots. When you wear it, you can tell from which direction you are being shot at by feeling specific vibrations in the vest. Aside from being sensitive to individual shots, the vest can even simulate an explosion taking place in the vicinity by going to a full vibration mode.

One of the most thrilling moments at this year's QuakeCon was the giveaway of a $60,000 Corvette, courtesy of Ventrilo, who specialize in developing voice communication software. According to Ventrilo, the car was a small token of appreciation for the huge following among gamers for their Voice over IP software. Beyond gaming, the event was packed with activities including the QuakeCon Music Jam and the comedy night featuring the Raspberry Brothers, whose hilarious comments tore "Snakes on a Plane" to pieces.

QuakeCon also is home to many sponsored professional tournaments in both single and multiplayer arenas. Single-player deathmatches were held for the first time via the QuakeLive portal while multiplayer battles raged across various maps in Quake Wars on both PCs and consoles. Huge checks were given to the winners.

QuakeCon takes place over three and a half days and occurs every August; it is free to attend. This is an event you do not want to miss.