Id Software boss John Carmack is continuing to tweak Quake 3 Arena prior to its November 10 release. In a recent interview with Thresh's FiringSquad, Carmack explained that the default maximum framerate limit has been reduced from 100 to 85 frames per second, in order to cater for gamers with slow Internet connections. However, he went on to point out that the default is simply a safe level and that those with fast machines/connections can simply turn it off. Another glitch that has recently been addressed involved a lack of footstep sounds when players walked backwards. "We had them out for a while, but we put them back in because the levels felt more 'dead' without player movement noises," said Carmack, perfectionist that he is. Bless.

Capcom have confirmed that they are to release two new Dreamcast fighters in January. Both will be enhanced versions of existing arcade games. Street Fighter III W Impact will feature the first two Street Fighter III titles and Capcom are rumoured to be considering an online element. The other title is Kikaioh, a 3D mech-based fighter known in the west as Tech Romancer.

Japanese brokers Nomura Securities have announced that Dreamcast owners will soon be able to trade online. Their Home Trade website was launched in 1997 and currently handles around 57,000 accounts. Nomura plan to give customers GD-ROMs, enabling access to the website using Sega's console, in the hope that the huge user base will expand their service. Bit of a bummer if you want to play Soul Calibur when your dad's tinkering with his portfolio...

Games can seriously damage your health - just ask Phil Hall from Manchester. He was sitting by an open window, enjoying a bit of Star Wars: Racer on his N64, when a bolt of lightning slapped him upside the head! Why do we find this so funny? The poor lad could have been killed! He wasn't though, so it's okay to laugh. Anyone who's seen the woeful movie will recall that Sebulba was partial to a bit of sabotage, but surely this is going too far.