Robert Duffy of id software updated his .plan file with the following information on the next Quake3 patch:

Point Release Status - We are getting close to finishing up fixing issues, from retail Team Arena and the 1.27g/h builds. No specifics yet but it should be in the not too distant future. This release will address all ( or most ) the bugs we have had reported and adds some new things as well. We have added a new "fs_basegame" so mod makers can base mods on other mods ( read that as use content from other mods ). There are more FPS speedups, some sound fixes, general ui fixes, better collision, etc. Lots of stuff and demos and protocols should all remain compatbile so 1.27g and above will all communicate just fine.

Is it just me, or does the phrase 'point release' hold absolutely no meaning anymore? id originally started using the phrase to denote what they considered the first and only 'proper' patch for the game; for eg, the Point Release for Quake2 contained CTF.

However, it seems every patch from id now is referred to as a point release. Are they trying to confuse the whingers with 'its not a patch its a point release' or is this just a confusing terminology?

speed the day when a game comes out that doesnt need patching 400 times

i thought the idea of q3test etc. was to stop the need for this patchware stuff.

or is it just that they keep streamlining the engine/game/whatever over time to bring out the best in a game? but still that leads me to ask the question...why wasnt it perfect and cheat proof (if possible) to start with, if you build it from scratch?

admittedly 1.27h was sweet with its fps increase and i suppose i cant complain if a newer patch makes it faster again.

although ive only ranted so far, with the game as it stands now, not being perfect, i hope they leave in the super pummy bug. its no advantage and very amusing.

nothings hackproof, personally I like patchware, it gets me playing the games faster and I couldnt give a rats if I have to download 100MB

Yeah, compare this to the Tribes 2 and Team Fortress 2 situations...

I'd rather have Quake3 with a patch every 1-6 months than be still waiting on a game that's been hyped up for soooo long with nothing released (that's more relevant to TF2, coz I know Tribes2 is undergoing a beta test similar to Diablo2's as I understand)

point taken

and i bet they'll still patch tf2 and tribes 2 anyway

i suppose game developers try hard not to need patches but its a shame there is naughty people out there that cant play an honest game without cheating (referral to acids "nothings hackproof")

still the tribes 2 people have the right idea trying to get max compatability/bugs fixed before the games released but you guys ar right saying its been to long in the making.