Quake 3 Movement

Jan Pruce
PHYS 211
11/25/2014

Introduction

Movement and Vector Representation

Strafe Jumping

Rocket Jumping and Newton's Third Law

Bibliography

Introduction

Quake III Arena (id Software) is a 1999 multiplayer arena-style First Person Shooter video game notable for its popularity in competitive circuits such as DreamHack, Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL), Quakecon, and Electronic Sports World Cup (ESWC). In Quake 3, players compete in a virtual bloodsport within sci-fi/gothic themed arenas, finishing off their opponents with a variety of lethal weapons found scattered across the battleground. Since 1999, almost $975,000 has been awarded to players competing in various tournaments.

In order to simulate realistic movement, Quake 3 models its virtual physics from observable laws from reality (Newton's Laws). Understanding the physics of the id Tech 3 engine and how to exploit it is essential to players wishing to have the upper hand on their opponents. Achieving higher velocities allows players to efficiently evade gunfire and collect a better arsenal, which in turn correlates to quantifiable advantages in battle.

Quake 3 is today succeeded by Quake Live, a free, revamped re-release of the original. Quake 3's engine, id Tech 3, has been released as open source for anyone to use and modify.