The gaming industry has never been subjected to as much scrutiny and coverage as it is today. But who scrutinizes and watches the media. This is mediawatch.

It's a fact that despite the economic downturn, the videogame industry has never been bigger. From the seemingly morbid fascination of most mainstream media keen to cash in by concocting their own perspectives to the anti-gaming crusaders such as Jack Thompson, everyone has an opinion they wish to air. Case in point...this blog.

How does the media view gamers and why do we gamers enjoy the games we do?

Naomi Alderman (a gamer herself) from The Guardian newspaper says...

"People enjoy playing computer games, and playing them for large amounts of time doesn't necessarily indicate "addiction". But even if they are habit-forming, they can be a positive habit. In fact, playing computer games can be extremely psychologically healthy, even therapeutic."

It's not a view shared by Mr Bakker from the Research Group, Smith & Jones, who sees gaming addiction as a trait afflicted on predominantly pubescent impressionable boys.

"It's a choice," he says. "These kids know exactly what they are doing and they just don't want to change. If no one is there to help them, then nothing will ever happen."

Irrespective of how one views the gaming fraternity, it's an industry that is struggling to find its identity in the eyes of the media and one we as gamers should help champion a positive image of.