Bethesda Ditches Divisive Quake Game's Free-To-Play Model in Final Update
Bethesda ends free-to-play updates for Quake Champions, shifting it to a $9.99 paid Steam release with all content unlocked and microtransactions removed.
Bethesda Softworks and id Software released patch 1.31 for Quake Champions, marking what is likely the final update for the game. The patch notes confirm no further content updates are planned as the title enters a new phase. Launched in early access in 2017 and fully released in 2022, Quake Champions now shifts from a free-to-play model to a paid release exclusively on Steam.
The transition to a paid model includes a $9.99 price tag, though players who previously owned the free Steam version will receive the new release at no additional cost. Those who played via the Microsoft Store must link their Bethesda.net account to Steam to access the paid version, with this service available only until October 7. The update also unlocks 30 seasons of past content and all champions for all players, while removing battle passes, microtransactions, and in-app purchases.
As part of the shift, the game introduces a callvote system allowing players to vote to remove cheaters or abusive players during matches, with a limit of three votes per game. Bethesda has also reduced the number of data centers to consolidate players and improve matchmaking speed, which is expected to lower support costs for the studio.
The announcement follows recent layoffs at id Software, a subsidiary of ZeniMax Media, which was acquired by Microsoft in 2021. After Xbox’s July announcement of 3,200 job cuts this fiscal year, id Software reportedly lost half its team, including many coders responsible for the id Tech engine. Additional layoffs this week targeted Halo Studios as part of ongoing restructuring within Xbox.