"For the last few years, those clips have been of "Doom 3," which is nearing completion after a four-year development cycle. This year, most fans were hoping to get their first glimpse of "Quake 4," which is being developed (under id's supervision) by Raven Software. Unfortunately, they're going to have to keep waiting. id CEO Todd Hollenshead said there are no plans to show the game at this year's QuakeCon.

"We've been happy with what they've done, but it's too early to show," added id's lead designer Tim Willits.

The disappointment of not seeing the game could bring out the ugly side of the hardcore crowd, though. Hollenshead said it comes with the territory.

"The guys who love you the most are also the people who will blast you the hardest if you piss them off," he said. "We've been trying not to whip people into a frenzy with ['Quake 4']. When we show the game, we want it to be something that's really impressive for the people who have been waiting for it."