"A character with this name already exists."
And this matters to me why?!
Holy hell I haaaaaaaaate when that happens. I really do.
Get that crap enough on forums or similar sites. Where if I cant use "Misery" or like, the two other names I'll use when that one is taken, I'll stare blankly at the screen for like 20 minutes before either MAYBE thinking of something, or giving up.
A bit more determination when it comes to actual games, where it's still irritating, but I'll sooner or later resort to just smashing random syllables together in no particular order.
I love the games where having the same name just seriously doesnt matter. As on Steam itself, as well. Works well for something like Dota, too. Dont wanna be Misery23096721075 on there, really...
As for the bit with the lightning.... uhhhh.... derpy answer, but have you tried just dropping all of the graphics options to their lowest points?
I should think that if doing that doesnt stop it, there probably isnt a way to do it. Of course a direct option to stop that sort of thing would be nice, but that'd make too much sense, yes? I dont recall seeing anything like that in there. Though I could be wrong.