QuakeCon slated for August 4-7

This morning, Bethesda Softworks announced the dates for its sister studio id Software's annual convention, QuakeCon. The confab, which is host to North America's largest BYOC (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) LAN party, will run from August 4 to 7. It is free to the public and sees thousands of gamers flock to Dallas' Hilton Anatole Hotel each year.

Details on this year's event are thin, other than the fact that Bethesda will be on hand to "offer the first chance anywhere for gamers to get their hands on upcoming titles." Though not mentioned by name, a likely suspect is the studio's next game, the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, which is set to ship for the PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 on November 11. Also likely to appear is id's PC, PS3, and 360 postapocalyptic racing-shooting game Rage, which is due out September 13.

QuakeCon organizers promised both panel discussions and unidentified "announcements" at this year's event. Last year, some sort of Doom 4 reveal was expected at id technical director John Carmack's keynote address. Instead, it focused on Rage for the iPhone. Last year's panels included a discussion about creating blockbuster franchises with ousted Infinity Ward heads Vince Zampella and Jason West and a chat between Ultima creator Richard Garriott and Carmack on space flight.