It's every gamer's nightmare - you pick up the CD/DVD containing your favourite game, lovingly cared for in its jewel case, put it in your gaming platform of choice, and it doesn't load. Scratches play havoc with the machine's ability to read the data on the disc, and it happens all too often according to firm Disc-Go-Tech (get it?). The problem is particularly prevalent in the used games market.

Since 1996 Disc-Go-Tech have been developing their automated scratch repair system capable of processing 1/2 million discs a year, solving 94% of those pesky data-loss inducing scratches. Impressive.

The company is showing at E3, with live demonstrations of their products aimed at companies "offering quality used games for sale to the public", with "playability guarantees".

By Jason Cartwright