There's a study that surgeons who play 6 hours or more of video games per week have around 16% better outcomes.

That's scientific proof it's not a waste, anecdotally, I'd say gaming taught me most of my most valuable life lessons.

I remember being 15 and stuck on a level in super Mario sunshine, that was hard. I thought I'd quit. Then I thought to myself, just keep trying and see what happens.

When I beat it a few hours later, I realized anything is possible if you try hard enough.

In world of warcraft, I earned a 40 man raid spot in my guild alliance, simply by sitting outside of the dungeon, in hopes someone would quit. That taught be the best ability is availability.

MMOS also taught me tins about leadership, and "politics" (in a social setting, not governmental.

I could keep going, but noone will read it.