# The Story of Quake Shareware CD-ROM A journey into the technology and gaming world of the 90s - **Source:** [Hacker News (news.ycombinator.com)](https://brifing.si/source/13c923cd-6d99-442b-9b8b-1181f4d8cd91) - **Published:** 2026-08-17 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/527f1abc-8978-4366-aff1-df9a7bf28303 ## The Rise of CD-ROM In the mid-1990s, CD-ROM drives became one of the most popular hardware additions to PCs, alongside Intel Pentium processors. With a capacity of 640 MiB, they offered three times the storage of hard drives at the time. This technology enabled multimedia content such as high-resolution photos, VOC soundtracks, and Video For Windows videos. ## Opportunity for Game Developers CD-ROMs presented a unique opportunity for video game developers. However, this capacity often exceeded the amount of assets produced. Games like 7th Guest (1993), Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger (1994), and Phantasmagoria (1995) pioneered Full Motion Video technology in this field. ## id Software's Innovative Approach In June 1996, id Software released Quake after three years of development. The company prepared two versions: shareware and full version. The idea emerged to use the remaining capacity of the CD-ROM by including the entire id Software catalog in encrypted form. This eliminated intermediaries and provided quick access to gamers. ## CD-ROM Launch and Hackers The CD-ROM was announced on July 3, 1996, and released on August 30. However, the hacker group GNOMON released Quakecrk.zip just 39 days later. This file contained QCRACK.EXE, a tool that decrypted all games on the CD-ROM. ## User Experience and Packaging The CD-ROM was sold for $9.95 at stores like CompUSA and Computer City. The packaging was quite high-quality for shareware products. The sticker on the front indicated that it was a 'Shareware version' and instructed users to call 1-800-ID-GAMES to unlock the full version. ## Decryption Process Users communicated a 'SOURCE CODE' by phone. This code was not used in the decryption process but allowed distributors to claim a transaction fee. Reviews on eBay showed that these codes pointed to past and present retailers. ## Security Mechanism and Weaknesses At first glance, the decryption process seemed solid. Users had to call to obtain a password. However, the GNOMON group discovered that the password received over the phone contained no secret information. It was merely proof of payment. ## Conclusion and Impact GNOMON's discovery exposed the weakness of Quake shareware CD-ROM's security mechanism. This situation sparked new debates in the gaming industry about security and encryption. Additionally, this event contributed to the development of digital distribution and DRM technologies. ## Sources covering this story - https://fabiensanglard.net/quake_shareware_cd/index.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._