As the title says, based on some unconfirmed leaks about the latest upcoming update, id software are supposedly planing to include a new default ruleset for public servers. The change log vaguely implies that "classic" mode will be only available for subscribers.
While I applaud and welcome the addition of another ruleset, default or not, limiting the main game or making it payable is a bit of a stretch.
The changelog is still a work in progress and subject to change. I decided to set up this thread for this exact reason - if there is a way to change their minds, it's time to act now while things are still up in the air.

I hope the community and the developers can find a common ground and resolve this issue.

Instead of rambling about the inevitable death and cursing like an old sailor, let's try to get as much support as we can, without redundant insults and threats.

I propose keeping classic VQL free for all users and that it gets listed in match browser along with casual ruleset.

Reasons are as follow:
- The game you made and people (started to) love is the reason why we've come so far, people moved from q3 and other games to give QL a shot and obviously stuck around to this very day.

- It's perfectly fine if you add new stuff and limit it for subscribers, but taking the core/main game and putting it behind the paywall is unjustified

- this will not in any form or way benefit the old, loyal players. Sure, some of them may not be a paying customer, but denying them of the privilege of playing "classic" quake is again, unjustified.

- While relying on subscribers to maintain the game alive is perfectly understandable, the same instance you put classic quake behind the paywall you can get completely rid of the "free" tag for the game.

- do not charge it because it's competitive, quake has been a source of immense fun for thousands of players, labeling it "competitive" just so you can charge for it is wrong

- ...might add something later


It's like adding freezetag and blocking all other content - I've been a paying customer since day one and I want to play with people around the world, please reconsider limiting classic quake.
The surge from steam might be or not be that successful, however this does not warrant a paywall.

Feel free to add suggestions and share this thread around to get as much support as possible, instead of bitching about changes maybe we can try reasoning with the devs

Sincerely, a slightly concerned player.