id Software's annual gaming convention QuakeCon will return in August. Today Bethesda, id's parent company, revealed the dates and venue for this year's frag-filled festivities.

QuakeCon 2012 will be held at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas. It will run from August 2nd to the 5th. The Hilton Anatole has hosted QuakeCon for five of the last six years. They'll be offering a special rate to attendees.

"Those interesting in attending can reserve special room rates at the hotel by calling 1-800- Hiltons and ask for the QuakeCon 2012 rate ($154 per night)," said Bethesda.

The convention is free to attend. It's mainly staffed by volunteers. The event is funded by id Software and other tech companies. Last year's sponsors included Nvidia, AT&T, Ventrilo, and the Air Force Reserve.

QuakeCon was first held back in 1996. It's North America's largest Bring-Your-Own-Computer LAN Party. The first QuakeCon had 100 attendees but the event has grown substantially since then. In 2010, over 8500+ people attended.

The convention also hosts competitive tournaments with cash prizes. id Software and associated companies also take the opportunity to show off their latest products. For example, id's first-person shooter RAGE had a big presence at QuakeCon 2011. Perhaps the studio's next project - Doom 4? - will make an appearance at this year's convention.