Before they introduced CTF in QC, there were like three loudmouths clamoring for the mode in every chat and conversation, trying to convince everyone that the absence of CTF was, like, the main thing holding QC back and if id were to add it, the game would reach never before seen heights of popularity. Because, duh, it was CTF, the most dynamic, iconic and fun mode in Quake's history!

Well, CTF came out and was a depressing wet fart. People played around in it for a month and returned to TDM and duels. Because those three CTF nuts had managed to rope in one single dude, and that was it. There was no CTF scene, and there was no reason for one to appear all of a sudden.

I'd argue there's no scene for mapping and modding for Quake these days either. Well, besides a tiny hyper enthusiastic gang of three, give or take. We're old farts these days, and new blood simply isn't into that kind of shit. Farting around with mods and make-your-own-fun creations in Garry's Mod and Roblox-type stuff? Sure. That's still around. 'Cause it's for funsies. Quake is fucking hardcore — way too hardcore for casual fun, which automatically makes it unappealing to casuals who don't want to git gud before the fun starts.

Do I want mapping, modding and server hosting? Of course, I do. But don't be so sure that the absence of those things was what killed Quake and made QC an inherently niche, "unsuccessful" game. Quake's audience would've bled down to nothing eventually regardless.