Sam Leith Sam Leith

Video games aren’t a total waste of time

The language and concepts of gaming have come to saturate the world around us – and it's arguably the least stagnant art form around

A scene from the fantasy role-play game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Credit: Miguel Lagoa 
issue 06 January 2024

My wife argues with the children about video games. I argue with the children about video games. The children argue with each other about video games. Consequently, I argue with my wife about video games. It is a total nightmare – and it’s one that in various versions will be replicated in houses with young children up and down the country.

The problem, in part, is a cultural divide. It frustrates me, too, when the children refuse to come off Rocket League or Fifa when they’re told to (‘I’m in the middle of a game!’). I’m also wary of the addictive nature of these things. But at the same time I can absolutely see the point of them; as my outgoing, intelligent, football-loving, film-making wife cannot.

It’s said, I think with justice, that video games are the least stagnant art form

I consider playing games an important and enjoyable part of my cultural diet, and (taken in sensible moderation) of my children’s.

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