Console and game maker Sega has released a mammoth map pack for id Software's shooter Quake 3 Arena, which contains all 23 maps from the Dreamcast version of this game. The map pack contains a mix of both all-new maps and maps modified for the console version, and it is being released to allow PC players to play head-to-head against Dreamcast players online.

However, there is a catch. Because console titles are "frozen" at release and never receive patches or updates, PC (and Mac) Q3A players will have to downgrade to version 1.16 or below to be able to connect to DC servers (or to serve the maps for DC players). Mac users will not be able to find DC-hosted games in any case, as that console relies on the PC-only GameSpy service for game listings and chat. The map pack itself can be used with any version of Q3A, so if PC and Mac players want to try them out offline (or play them online, provided servers choose to host them) the pack might still be worth the 49 MB download.

The fact that console games never get patched, combined with the fact that many future games will be coming to multiple online-capable platforms, produces an interesting dilemma for game developers. An article and editorial on EuroGamer expands on this issue, warning that developers may be risking a split between console and PC gamers if they continue their current strategy of patching games for months (sometimes years) after the initial release.

EuroGamer on DC Maps, PC patches

Download Q3A Dreamcast Map Pack (50 MB, .zip)

Q3A DC Map Pack at Sega

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