Trade paper MCV have launched a Best of British award in conjunction with ECTS (European Computer Trade Show). Best of British what, you cry? The award will be presented to a company, product or campaign that best demonstrates the innovation and quality of the interactive entertainment industry. As long as it's British, naturally. Said to be among the frontrunners are Codemasters, PC budget label Sold Out, the PlayStation game Driver, the Official UK PlayStation Magazine, the Virgin Interactive management buy-out team, DMA Design, Eidos, Europress, Rare, SCi and VideoLogic.

Not to be outdone, The Hacker respectfully suggests that Future Gamer could host an award. Perhaps we could call it the Worst of British? Have you bought a sorry excuse of a game this year? Maybe someone's ripped you right off? Nominations to the usual address, please...

MCV also report that 'retail is holding its breath', regarding a possible drop in the price of the PlayStation. A price point of £69.99 has been mooted. Expect it to happen soon, certainly before the Dreamcast launches.

CTW (Computer Trade Weekly) leads with news that Vis Interactive could be looking to acquire SCi, who just happen to be quite a lot bigger that V are; a sort of reverse takeover thingy. CTW also detail the new round of magazine ABCs, and they often give you a pointer as to how the videogames market is performing as a whole. Future Gamer's hobby sideline, Future Publishing, performed with no little aplomb, while rivals have been sent packing.

"Can we stop now, please?"

"Not until you've written 'onwards'. That's better."