By Michael Plant

Why are games subject to ridicule by people of power? It seems convenient that Boris Johnson has changed his mind on computer games in time for this year's London Games Festival, but why the general lack of recognition for what is now such an important industry for the UK economy, especially in these troubled economic times?

By Toby Green

In The Information section of today's paper I've compiled, with the help of an expert panel including fellow blogger Jack Riley, a list of what we feel are the 50 best video games currently available to buy.

To be honest, it was a lot harder than I first thought, and there's quite a few games that I wish there could have been space for.

Still, I believe we've managed to do a good job – but what do you think? Are there any glaring omissions? Have we chosen any games you feel are massively over-rated? Let us know your thoughts.

By Jack Riley

Christmas has come early in the technology world this week, what with the new sleeker iPod (finally with built-in speaker), Google doing our job for us, and now an announcement by Australian tech firm Emotiv that games you can control using your mind may be just around the corner.

By Toby Green

Today sees the launch of the latest in gaming-chic - the Reee chair, made completely out of recycled PlayStation 2s.

Not only can you feel grown-up by buying a high-end piece of furniture design, but you can also indulge your childish interest in gaming. Perfect.

Its environmental credentials are impeccable, being completely sourced and manufactured right here in the UK. For those with £110 to spend on a chair, it will be available to buy from selected retailers, including the Eden Project, as well as Selfridges in London during the London Design Festival.

By Jack Riley

Classic strategy sim "Red Alert" is due a second sequel shortly, and to publicise the release the game's publishers, Electronic Arts, are giving the original away free of charge from the official website of the series. What's more, if you pre-order the newest game in the series from the site, you can also download "Red Alert 2" for nothing.

By Jack Riley

Ever dreamt of a fight between Ronald McDonald and Harry Potter? Super Mario and He-Man? Me neither, but pictures and videos cropping up across the internet of characters in ace new fighting game "Soul Calibur 4" which have been customised to resemble characters from across the pop cultural spectrum, suggest that somebody somewhere has not only the inclination, but also a lot of time on their hands.

By Toby Green

Excitement is building for "Midnight Club: Los Angeles", the illegal street racing game from Grand Theft Auto publishers Rockstar, and the latest trailer shows why.

By Jack Riley

Others may have been shocked by the utter failure of Britain's pint-sized boy wonder Tom Daley and his older dive partner Blake Aldridge in the Men's Synchronised 10m Platform finals yesterday, but not I. I had seen the 14-year old being interviewed by the BBC at the Team GB headquarters a day earlier which offered something by way of an explanation. The interview went something like this:

BBC interviewer: So what do you get up to at the Team GB headquarters?
Tom Daley: (eating a packet of crisps) I've been playing at diving on the computer, on the Olympics game.
BBC interviewer: Isn't that a bit sad, spending your free time doing virtual diving?
Tom Daley: (shocked)...um..

By Toby Green

So we're getting thrashed in the cricket, none of the home nation football teams can qualify for major international tournaments and our hopes for a serious medal haul in Beijing look patchy at best.

But finally us British have some sporting success to celebrate - as long, however, as you're one of those people who consider professional gaming to be a sport.

By Toby Green

David Cameron's recent declaration that politics is "a bit like Tomb Raider" was an unexpected piece of welcome publicity for the latest instalment of Lara Croft's adventures, due to be released in November.

Dave's comparison, made in an interview with the Guardian, might be a great PR ploy, portraying the Tory leader as down with the 'yoof'. In fact, could Cameron be the first leader to aim directly for the gamers' vote?