The common misconception is of how games are really bad for you. Although this can be true, I have found gaming has helped me out a bit instead. For, gaming has probably made my reflexes sharper. Also, from Medal of Honor and Call of Duty, ive learned many gun names which helped get me brownie points with my teachers studying WWII. And finally, and most obviously, gaming has helped me relax in times of stress...duuuuh i know but still worth saying.

I think the main thing most people get out of gaming is faster reflexes. Another thing I've gotten out of gaming is the ability to press a button 15 times a second. Very slow compared to Corbie, but I'm still proud of myself for it.

Got me off of drugs and booze. Keeps me busy when I don't have nothing to do in a drug infested town.

My father left when I was 8 years old. That left me as the third wheel with my mother and sister. I turned to gaming to fill that hole and it's been filling it ever since I guess. That's why I think I don't really like to play games with other people or online. Just a very personal thing for me. I didn't have to count on anyone to enjoy gaming and it never bailed out on me.

I guess gaming has only helped 4 people

@Corbie: Wow man, that makes me feel sad. I'm sorry to hear that happened to you. I do hope that your life is now filled with good memories!

All I was going to say was that gaming has helped me make my wallet a whole lot lighter over the years. Then again, that is not very helpful is it?

It has helped be put off doing work countless times. Procrastination would be much more difficult without video games.

lol ur horrible xD too funny

True Dat. I don't exactly know what "benefits" I have got by gaming, but I know that when I'm not gaming, with my friends (you guys included) I don't keep a conscious memory of things I've done.
For example, It's my sister's birthday on Monday so I'm going to buy her a present after I make my post. If you asked me what I did on the weekend, I would tell you a list of the games I played and could go into intricate detail about each one, and I could also tell you what I bought my Sister. But I will only remember what I bought her, not actually going down to the shops and picking it up (although I will assume I went down there, because how else could I get it?)
I don't really know why I can't remember anything other than games but I guess it's because I don't want to. So I supose games are an escape from life for me, and I can pretend I'm not there. It's a nice feeling, actually, if you understand. And as Corbert said games are always there for you. Real people are not.

Except your family!

When you assume you make an ass out of u and me...

LOL @ Kim Jong-II.

And don't feel sad for me. I've had a great life so far and it just keeps getting better.

Super Mario Bros. 3 once rescued me from drowning. We exchanged numbers after the ordeal and have never looked back since.

@Corbie: I'll fill any spare holes you may have, if you wish.

I think Corbie must be referring to all the special assignments I keep giving him!

Gaming helped me get into music composition. I've been obsessed with Koji Kondo's work for a long time now, I just never realised how great he was until a few years ago, when I started going to school for music. Now pretty much all I listen to is video game music. Not because I like the games the music comes from, but because some video game music I consider just as well-written as classical music. Koji Kondo is my idol, and now music is a major factor when considering buying new games. When I started going to college a few years ago I met someone who would introduced me to Nobuo Uematsu's music (and FFVII) our freshman year we composed a suite for piano together, I now consider him my best friend and we're both obsessed with video game music. Just last year for the first time I had one of my compositions performed at my school. Gaming has gotten me through almost as much as my music has in this life, and it's a great way to wind down, have fun with friends, or escape from reality. Gaming does not just relieve boredom to me. I don't like to game just because I'm bored, because it's a serious thing to me. Check out my link below to see videos of my compositions, and video game reviews and stuff.

It has given me cat-like reflexes! (Sister throws tennis ball at head) Hey, who threw that!?

@Corbie....I feel you on that one Corbie. My parents split when I was 7 and it was not a pretty thing at all. I think that is when I really started to get into gaming myself. I spent a LOT of time alone for years and the games really filled that void. Its hard to make friends when your moving around alot. I also dont play online much unless its with my buddies that I actually know and in Private Rooms such as Burnout. I live game achievments though. That Platinum trophy on Fallout 3 for the world to see makes me proud.

@Corbie....Oh I showed my wife the pic you posted of your "Babies" and she was like dont even think about bringing one of those home. LOL.

It helped me enjoy a new experience at first...namely, video games.