Is playing computer games a waste of time?

Well, I can't speak for you or anyone else, but...
The only major regret I have in my life (now a 48 year old man) is the time I wasted playing video games earlier in my life. As you get older, you realize that the only thing of true value in life is time. We are all dealt 168 hours a week and nobody, no matter how rich or powerful can ever get more than anyone else...time is a truly the only non-renewable resource. When I was younger I spent A LOT of time playing games (especially World of Warcraft for 7 years). Now I wish I had spent that time doing things like spending time with my kids/family/friends, exercising and being healthier, applying it to learning to play guitar better, getting better at photography and painting, continuing my education in other ways, learning to cook better, etc etc.

I have come to believe that video games were a HUGE waste of my time and I want those THOUSANDS of hours back to re-apply to something more meaningful to my life. I think video games are like drugs or alcohol...an easy, quick way to escape reality. yes, they provide a form of entertainment and are more productive than watching The Big Bang Theory or a similar stupid show, but nonetheless, it is time that could be better spent on dozens of other things that will enrich your life in a better way in my opinion. And anyone saying otherwise has their head in the sand and is fooling themselves and justifying the time wasted in the same way that a drug user or alcoholic justifies their behaviors.

That's my personal view. And I am sure I will be blamed for saying it.

  (citates Mike Bevil an former gamer) 

another citation for this post (source:https://www.quora.com/Is-playing-video-games-a-waste-of-time )

I wrote most of this in response to another answer, but felt it might deserve views as an answer in itself.

The answer to your question, in my opinion, is it really depends on what you want to get out of life, and what you want to get out of any activity that you intend to spend time on.

In my life, I don't necessarily want to make millions or found a company that lasts decades. (If that happens, cool, but it's not my goal.) I don't need to be remembered. I want to be relatively comfortable and relatively happy - that's all. For me, any activity that furthers that is a good use of my time.

I've spent thousands of hours playing video games. In exchange for my time I've gained a lot. I've made friends and made lasting memories. I've developed and reinforced analytical and problem solving skills vital to my career and fairly core to my entire personality. I met my girlfriend, and we enjoy (very cheap) entertainment together where we interact and complete challenging goals instead of sitting side-by-side staring mindlessly.

As I move through life my priorities change. The amount of time I've spent on my primary hobby (video games) has increased and decreased to suit. When I eventually have children, it's very likely I'll spend far less time playing games. Then I'll probably play more again because I'll be playing with them. Then I'll probably play less again, as I'll have to ensure they learn restraint and a good work ethic, and you can't do that without setting a good example.

Once you know what you want to accomplish in life, and what you want to get out of your free time, you can decide how much free time you want too. When you know those things you'll know if video games are a good match for you as a hobby, and whether you're spending too much time on them. If you want to start the next Facebook/Google/etc. I suggest limiting your game time. If you just want to work a 9-5 and live comfortably, go ahead and play a little more. Do whatever suits you, and don't feel like you need to measure yourself against what everyone else is doing - they have different priorities and goals, and that's okay.

Lastly, you ask if it's a negative addiction. I think a bit part of that is tied to the nature of most addiction - escape from your problems. Everyone needs an escape, the real problem is when all you do is escape.

Are video games occasionally an escape? Of course. Any hobby you choose can be used that way. As long as it's a temporary escape just to clear your head, and then you deal with the problems, all good. If you spend all your time running, then it's time to quit video games, but also to start confronting your problems. If you don't, you'll just find a new vice and be no better for it.

Personally, I often play video games when I'm angry. When I'm done I'm calmer, I can think more clearly and rationally, and I solve problems in ways that weren't possible in the heat of the moment.

tl;dr: Figure out what you want from life and from your hobby. Figure out if video games suit that or stand in your way. Then go live the life you want to live, no matter what everyone else says.

(citates Travis Calder a software developer)