>>717585114 (OP)
I think it’s a mix of psychology, biology, and culture.
At a basic level, video games tap into the same reward systems our brains evolved for survival. They give us challenges to overcome, skills to master, and clear feedback on progress — all things that used to come from hunting, building, or problem-solving in the real world. In a game, that loop is compressed and more predictable, so the sense of accomplishment comes faster and more consistently.
They also provide a safe space to experience emotions and situations we can’t (or shouldn’t) in real life: risk, competition, leadership, exploration, even moral dilemmas. In a way, they’re like interactive stories — we get to be the hero, the villain, or anything in between, and explore “what if” scenarios without real-world consequences.
Socially, games can act as modern campfires. Multiplayer titles give us shared goals, friendly rivalries, and inside jokes, even across huge distances. For some, gaming communities are a key part of their social life.
On a deeper level, games serve as a form of meaning-making. They give us structure, a sense of agency, and an arena where our actions visibly matter — something real life doesn’t always guarantee. That’s why they can be more than “just entertainment” for many people.
