I grew up playing the golden era of N64. I was solidly addicted (Ocarina, Mario, Golden Eye, and Mario Kart). I played a good deal of Civilization in late high school and early College, but as I got good at programming I started to play less and less.

My philosophy has morphed into seeing video games as a waste of my time. I could be building something, reading a good history book or novel, learning more about x in computer science, OR getting closer to my friends and family.

I have a friend who tells me that I need at least one trashy addiction in my life. For a while I thought his argument had some merit, but I just don't agree with him anymore. I feel most alive and happy when I'm pursuing activities that increase my understanding of the world, open my eyes to ideas I hadn't considered, or brings me closer to my friends and family. Maybe video games can be these things for other people, but not for me.