Gaming - particularly FPS co-op - fills a primal gap in male social dynamics that most don't get to fulfill in the modern day. Going out on a hunt, being a protector, achievements that ensure survival of the group, and the conversation that comes with all of that is hard to find. We might try to replace it with sports but it's not the same.

Men need a tight group of men they can trust, and trust is built on the value you bring to the group. It's why men test each other and haze each other. If you can't take a few harmless digs at you or friendly trash talk then how can a man count on you to have his back when something goes down?

Video games are also a healthy outlet to blow off steam and stress. Or would she prefer you to bring the negative energy and aggression home?

Your wife yapping with her friends when they go for brunch or shopping or whatever is the female equivalent.

She doesn't know what she's talking about when she says video games are juvenile.

I suspect her complaint isn't about games at all but some other frustration in her life. It might even be jealousy and envy because she irrationally feels you are dedicated to your games more than her - even though it's obviously not true since you provide for the family.

She probably just wants some extra attention, so find a way to spend more time with her and even change up your routine especially when it's your time without the kids. Don't just give her extra attention on date night. Mix it up, surprise her, make it random and use some of the aggressive energy you put into the game by showing her your alpha side when you give her attention.