QUAKE MAP SOURCES are back — with a GPL license

Back in 2006, to celebrate Quake’s 10th anniversary, I worked directly with id Software — and specifically with John Carmack — to get their blessing to release the original Quake map sources to the public. It was an exciting moment for the community, giving mappers, modders, and curious players a rare look into the level design of one of the most influential FPS games of all time.

These files had been missing from my site for quite a while, but I’m happy to say they’re now back where they belong. You can once again download the full set of Quake map sources, this time with the GNU General Public License (GPL) included. This ensures they’re preserved under an open license that protects their accessibility and encourages experimentation, learning, and creative re-use.

If you’ve ever wanted to dig into how Quake’s maps were built, study the brushwork, or use them as a base for your own projects, now’s your chance. Whether you’re an aspiring level designer, a seasoned mapper, or simply a Quake historian, these files are a piece of gaming history worth exploring.