Video games are sometimes hammered a bit too hard. They certainly have their negative impacts, but the media harps on the downsides so much they often obscure benefits. They're one of the few forms of entertainment that actually force you to think--it's very easy to consume movies, television, and even leisurely books without thinking hard or at all, 'passive consumption'. Video games, by their nature, force you to at least use your noggin a little. Sure it probably becomes passive consumption too once you've played a particular game enough and have habituated skills, but at least it's engaging your mind on some level at the start. They can also fuel a healthy (though of course, potentially unhealthy) sense of competition, which other entertainment, aside from physical sports, can't.

I've become more aware of these little benefits as I've stopped playing games in lieu of other priorities. That being said, I don't think I'll go back to playing video games to any intense or serious degree any time soon--they really are quite addictive. I guess because they tap into those natural human drives for accomplishment, control, and competition, unlike other forms of entertainment. It's a fun hobby, and probably third best as far as general benefits go, behind creative hobbies and sports. That being said, it is way too easy to get sucked in, and to, as this article seems to suggest, let games become a substitute for more meaningful structures in your life.