Quakecon is this Weekend, Here’s the Schedule

Quakecon 2011 is this weekend in Dallas, TX. Sadly, for the first time since 2005, I won’t be there. But that shouldn’t stop any of you from having a great time.

The event is still free to attend, but if you want to reserve a seat there are a few spots open through tonight. I’d just show up though. That seemed to work out fine the first 15 years of this thing.

In case you haven’t been following the event, it takes place August 4-7 in the Hilton Anatole (just off I-35). They’re promising a better network connection than in previous years, which is badly needed. Last year was atrocious. It doesn’t do much good to have a Quakecon Steam sale like last year if no one at Quakecon can even log into Valve’s servers without tethering their smart phone.

Here are some of the event highlights:

• BYOC officially opens at 9:00 a.m. Thursday (but most years I’ve gotten in the night before, just check)
• John Carmack’s annual keynote is at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, and many are expecting a first look at Doom 4, among other things.
• There will be a “20 years of id Software” panel at 2:30 Friday afternoon. Interesting that it’s only the current big names at the studio.
• You can get an early look at Prey 2 at 5:30 Friday. There was a lot I liked about the first one. Hopefully the sequel turns out good.
• Friday night has one of the highlights of Quakecon over the last several years, Master Pancake riffing a movie (think MST3K, live). This year is Twilight. Hilarity will ensue.
• Saturday night will feature the finals of the tournaments in a big party. The schedule says 7:00, and if you want good seats I would show up around then. Just don’t count on it getting started for at least 45 minutes. Quake Live and Brink this year.

And of course there will be the earlier tournament rounds, industry panels, Bawls chugging contest and quick-draw tournament, but the schedule for those is easier to follow at the show. It’s too damn hot in Dallas in August to stick to a schedule.

If anyone from Nukezilla does plan on going this year, let me know. If you want to write something from the show we’d love to have it. Or if you are worried about your writing skills (or sobriety; this is Quakecon), just get me some notes. I’ll type it up and give you credit as our reporter. Journalism!