Reuters has an article that has also appeared on CBC News on how video games provide more than just fun, satisfying deeper psychological and emotional needs…
While the initial motivation for gaming may be having fun, people are also drawn to games for the sense of achievement, freedom and social interaction with other players. This last component especially applies to games played in online virtual worlds with real players. For these types of games, social interactions between players provide
“an important satisfaction that promotes a sense of presence, game enjoyment and an intention for future play.”
This satisfaction, or lack of satisfaction experienced during play can also influence psychological wellness, at least in the short-term.