Across America kids play video games. Kids play a lot of video games. Kids don't play sports. Kids play video games. Kids don't do chores. Kids play video games. Why are games so interesting to kids? Hmmm, not an easily answered question but here's my guess.
First, games are better than real life. How many kids can ride a skateboard like a pro? Every kid who can play Tony Hawk can. How many kids can throw the winning pass in the Superbowl? Every kid who can play Madden Football can. How many kids can kill a flesh-eating zombie? Every kid who can play Resident Evil can. Real life is boring compared to the thrills and chills of the fantasy world of video games.
Second, games are cheaper than real life. How much does it cost to take a girl out on a date? Much more than it costs to rent GTA3 where you can pick up your own "date." How much work do you have to do to earn five dollars? Much more work than it takes to win "money" in Gran Turismo, without heavy lifting. Anyway, who has the time after spending every free moment leveling up? Value is defined as usefulness; games are very valuable in avoiding ugly commitments to the capitalistic monetary system.
Third, games are smarter than real life. Who hasn't heard Stone Cold say something urbane like "Oh hell yeah?" And I like the motto of the witty Scorpion in Mortal Kombat who says time and again "Get over here!" These are not just video game tag lines, they are the rally cry of the basement dwelling devoted gamer. One gamer says, "Get over here," to which the other replies, "Oh hell yeah!" Built in dialogue, snappy, familiar and effortless.
In conclusion, the appeal of games is tangible. Better than real life in every way, and never messy in the way real life can get sometimes. Kids know the difference between real life and video games. Life bad, games good.

Bombs Bursting