Quake Champions Switches to Paid Model in Final Update as id Software Faces Restructuring
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Quake Champions is ending its free-to-play model in a final update that unlocks all past content and removes microtransactions, arriving alongside reports of major layoffs at developer id Software.
Bethesda and id Software have released patch 1.31 for Quake Champions, marking the final content update for the arena shooter. Moving forward, the game is dropping its free-to-play structure in favor of a flat ten-dollar price tag on Steam. Existing Steam players retain access, while Microsoft Store users must link accounts before October 7 to secure their copies. This transition removes all microtransactions, battle passes, and in-app purchases, while unlocking thirty seasons of past content and all champions for players.
The final patch also introduces a callvote system for match moderation, alongside reduced data center servers to streamline matchmaking. However, this sunsetting period arrives amid broader industry turbulence. Recent reports indicate that id Software experienced significant layoffs following wide-reaching staff reductions across Xbox, casting a shadow over the future of the legendary studio behind the id Tech engine.
For longtime fans, this update offers a bittersweet final chapter. Stripping away the live service monetization model turns Quake Champions into a complete, self-contained package rather than an ongoing platform. While the reduction in active support and server consolidation points toward maintenance mode, unlocking the entire backlog of content ensures the community can continue playing without recurring costs.
Tags: Quake Champions, Bethesda, id Software, PC Gaming, Xbox
Original article: Polygon