I've been playing computer and video games regularly since I was around 6 years old (I'm 21 now), and have spent a huge amount of time playing, from the original PoP to Bayonetta and Demon's Souls etc. Since about the age of 19 I have been criticised by my family and house mates for the amount of time and energy I spend playing video games. The "Video Games are a waste of life"message has been driven home to me so many times that I now consider spending my free time gaming a bad thing. My initial arguments were that video games were more engaging than watching television and films soon became overused and stale, and when put into perspective with other things I could be doing with my time, such as sports and clubs and generally more favored and useful hobbies, I am inclined to agree with them.

However it seems that quitting gaming and getting out and doing things is proving harder than I thought. I still game several hours a day and can't see myself letting up for a while. Now I'm not criticising gamers or games in general (that would be incredibly hypocritical) but I would love to know what other people's thoughts on this issue are. Obviously we are all gamers but does anyone feel guilty for spending too much time playing? Does anyone feel they could be doing better things? And is gaming really that bad? I'm just curious and would also like some advice and opinions. :)