+1. It is absurd to simplify intellectual energy to a measurable quantity as if our brains are batteries hooked up to one giant electric motor. Brilliance is a mysterious thing, but we know it comes from unexpected places. An intellectual jungle of games, arts, and culture seems more fertile than the homogenous, sterile ivory tower.

"Factorio Is The Best Technical Interview We Have"

https://erikmcclure.com/blog/factorio-is-best-interview-we-h...

Definitely. A sillier example, I find Minecraft can be useful to get me back in the zone if I'm feeling unfocused. Building systems and overcoming design limitations does require thought. Having to concentrate on something that's easy to concentrate on helps get you in the right "mode" so to speak.

Reddit, however, I find draining. There's always a risk of getting sea lioned by a particularly toxic user. Conversation tends to be very one-sided also.

I'm sure there's some people whose analytical brain is being awakened by Factorio and who are looking into turning that into a career.

I mean I played around in ZZT and ended up a software engineer.