Games started as something that opened whole new worlds and experiences. You could see and experience things that you never thought possible. Why go out for a nice bike ride in the world when you could fly, sword fight, or hunt down Hitler without all the sunburns, poison ivy and bugs?
The problem is that at some point you stop going out and seeing the amazing things that are right outside. You have so many worlds and experiences right there at your fingers that you can't think of anything else. You chase that high of the first login. You desire the amazing feeling of beating a really hard boss for the first time. Like any addict, you can't get that same feeling.
Most step away at some point, be it for a week, month, or even years. Something always pulls you back in though. Maybe it's now to escape the fact that you are stuck in a job you hate, live where you don't want, or are living with people you'd rather avoid. All valid reasons, but also all sad beginnings to your own end.
I love games, in some ways, I would argue that I love them more than a lot of the people I know. The very fact that 1s and 0s make ENTIRE UNIVERSES now makes my heart beat faster. I love the idea that I can interact with friends that don't live near me in a virtual world. I love all the ideas that I get for what games I would build with my friends every time I play something that brings me joy or untold frustration. I LOVE games.
However, I know that I've been consumed at times. I know that I let parts of my life pass by and I won't get time or experiences back. It makes me sad thinking about that. Games are beautiful and terrible all in the same breath. It's not their fault. Developers and publishers are doing what they know will make them profitable. They do a great job too.
I recommend spending time with those you love away from your keyboards and controllers. Go breathe fresh air once in awhile. Live the one life you've been given before all you have are the digital experiences you're allowed to have. Yes, as varied and wonderful as the experiences you can have are, you only have what others give you. Make your own.
Once you've spent time living your life beyond cyberspace, log back in and get to fragging. This world isn't the same without you either. Game on my friends.