[2][3] The website, originally named 'Quakeholio', was dedicated to the then-upcoming ID Software game Quake.

[4] FileShack, a spinoff-site for game demos, patches, videos, and miscellaneous game-related assets for Shacknews users and others, was launched in August 2002.

[9][better source needed] In August 2004, Maximum PC magazine featured Shacknews in its list of "11 Websites That Every Geek Should Bookmark".

[10] Then, in November 2007, PC Magazine recognized Shacknews in its "Top 100 Undiscovered Web Sites" list.

[11][12] In 2018, Shacknews raised over $100,000 in the Extra Life 24-Hour Gaming Marathon for the Children's Specialized Hospital Foundation.