some video games are just additive and mindless. others are works of art and thought provoking. you should only play the former in limited amounts. spending lots of time in the latter can be justified if you are thinking about and appreciating the game while you play it because it will spur productive activities afterwards -- you will develop questions and passions based on the game that will linger long after playing and those will lead to building and creating things of your own. half life 2 is a good example of that in my opinion.
