(Image credit: id Software) On this day in 1996, id Software unleashed Quake on the unsuspecting public. The game’s influence is difficult to overstate, with its pioneering 3D engine inspiring the first wave of 3D accelerator PC expansion card purchases, the establishment of online multiplayer competitive culture, and much more. Perhaps its impact on 3D gaming can only be matched by the same development team’s previous outing with Doom . Happy 30th birthday, Quake! 🎂🎈 And thank you all for playing. See you later today on https://t.co/uOnB2dub9f. 9pm - 11pm GMT+1. 🎉#quake #johnromero #fps pic.twitter.com/1TBsQfs3wZ June 22, 2026 At launch, Quake drew criticism for its intense violence and gore, which also echoed Doom’s path to infamy among media and political pundits, and caused problems for ratings boards and regulators. However, id Software ignored such noise, insisting they simply made games they enjoy playing.…