I want to thank video games.

Sometimes, things get tough. When they do, we all need a way to cope.

Video games help me cope. They unwind me. They entertain me. They engage me. They surprise and delight and challenge and awe and intrigue me. They let me escape, if only for a few hours each week, so that afterwards I can return to reality refreshed and ready to take on hardship anew. Yes, video games do this for me.

If I were perfect, I would be able to weather anything with nothing but my own fortitude. But I am not perfect. I am not impervious to every last stress and challenge in life, and I can get worn down by it all. But, video games, useless, waste-of-time, always-at-the-centre-of-controversy video games, can give me that extra gallon when I am running on fumes.

So, thank you, video games.