The Shock Rifle is inspired by the EM -1 railgun from the Arnold Schwarzenegger film Eraser (1996).
The Capture the Flag level was inspired by the film Starship Troopers (1997).
In Malcom's backstory: Malcom, the Unreal Tournament contestant was genetically bio engineered by FenTech Incorporated and was said to be one of their finest creation, which he first entered the tournament as the leader of Thunder Crash and ended up becoming champion for defeating the long-time champion Xan Kriegor.
The character Othello was named after the Moorish general Othello from the William Shakespere play "Othello".
Blake's 7: Death-Watch (1980) is considered an influence behind the game.