Do you believe that video games are merely a way to blow off steam and have fun, or can they contribute to a well-lived life? How has gaming changed you? Benefited you?

Video games are kinda like movies or television shows. I don't think I could say that any of the three contribute to a well-lived life, changed me or benefited me.

They're just games. Sometimes, the things we do don't need a deeper meaning.

Well it's definitely improved my reaction times, my hand eye coordination, and my decision making speed. I'll give it that. But beyond the physical benefits, I don't think it can really profoundly change you. Some things are just done for the enjoyment. Don't need a purpose or goal for that.

How are we defining a well-lived life?

Will you look back on your life when you die and say "Well, that was fun."?

The way I look at it, every book I've read has changed me. Stories change me in ways that are subtle but profound when cumulative. Is the same true of virtual storytelling?

Life is too short not to enjoy it, any way you can, and video games can be a part of that.

I think that pretty much sums it up: what's life for if not for enjoying? Not everything has to be for achievement or gain.

More like an escape from reality, like a vecation only digital and not as expensive.

Video games are just a new form of entertainment. There was opera. There was books. There was radio. There was TV. It's all just a part of a constant continuum.

My father often reminds me how books and TV were treated the same way computers are nowadays. Reading books in 60's Finland was considered a waste of time, even punishable in some families. Now reading books makes you superior to those around you. The same applies to computers in a few decades.

I define a well lived life as, "when I die, it will matter whether I lived or not". Achieving something great, making it to history books, anything like that. Of course enjoying the life is a bonus, but I suspect it's a prime goal of human mind to become better than others, to be recognized. What I'm saying is, humans should attempt to help scientific discoveries, lead other people and all that instead of spending all your life in a remote farm eating home-grown potatoes. To do something that affects as all, hopefully in a positive manner.

Just randomly, that reminds me of that saying, "nobody on their death bed will wish they'd spent more time in the office." In some people's minds, that defines a productive life, but I think the phrase shows the folly of such a thought; will I wish I'd spent more time playing videogames? Dunno, but at least they provide more meaning and enjoyment to me than working on some non-project that's going to be cancelled while my pointy-haired boss mucks me about.

Vid games helped me back in 07 when I had a heart problem. I was trapped at home for a while and it kept my mind of things. I've been playing off and on since 1981.

I'm kind of in the same position, except that playing Skyrim excessively is causing all manner of muscle pains up my arm which is rather alarming...

Pros

- Greater hand-eye coordination
- Sharper reactions
- Greater dexterity with hands
- Improved happiness overall

Cons

- Poorer eyesight
- More prone to rage
- Delusions of grandeur

Just somethin to pass the time when I'm bored and not at a party/work.

Other forms of entertainment are boring to me because they're either non-interactive (television, movies, etc.), or are physically exhausting (spoorts, outdoor activities, etc.)

They have made me exponentially more lazy.

They add to my "quality of life" and they can be a better painkiller than anything my doctor has me on.

When I was a kid split-screen multiplayer had me interacting with my peers and helped develop social skills, and helped me control anger (not to be a sore loser, basically). Single player games with other people meant taking turns, which helped teach me about sharing your toys and being patient. We also had computer games in school which helped us learn while we played and helped with coordination, and taught me how to type (Tomb Typer ftw!).
Now games are usually just a means of entertainment, which helps me to switch off from the more stressful things in life. That probably has health benefits in there somewhere. When playing some games I'm encouraged to think critically, which can only be a good thing. I've also got friends who game, so the hobby has benefited my social life too in a way.
While none of these things are unique to playing video games, they have had positive effects for me.

Haven't done that much for me other than giving me a greater hand to eye coordination and speeding my reaction time. Other than that, it's entertaining, but far from anything profound.