Jekyll: Err... because my girlfriend does allow me?

Hyde: Girlfriend? What girlfriend?

Jekyll: Damn you! Told you not to embarrass me!

Because they entertain me + escapism.

Also video games > tv/movies.
Can't really compare it to music, too different in consumption methods and patterns.

Because the real world sucks big time ;)
But seriously, just for fun right? Why else?
Playing games is fun and good for your brain (as long as you`re no psycho).
That is the only reason for me : to have a good time.

Why does anyone play anything? Most creatures have this instinct in them; humans enjoy cards, sports, tag, video games, board games and so forth. We get bored if we sit around doing nothing, not engaging our minds and bodies.

As for what I look for in video games... that special little thing that makes me prefer Caravaggio to Damien Hirst, playing football to playing minigolf, T.S. Eliot to J.R.R. Tolkien, David Bowie to ABBA, Carl Theodor Dreyer to Wolfgang Petersen, wooing hard to get women to wooing wanton ones and, well, Baldur's Gate to Planescape: Torment: challenge.