[groovybits]

I've worked in tech for a number of years. I think I'm in the same boat as you. However, I can confidentially say that videogames were merely a conduit to social experiences with friends. i.e. you wouldn't find me grinding a game by myself just for the sake of getting good. For my friend group, that was consoles in our teens, and PC in our early 20s.

I've mostly given up on traditional PC gaming. I have a Nintendo Switch and a Steam Deck. I use the Deck occasionally to play games that aren't available on Switch, but otherwise the Switch is preferred, because it enables social interactions so easily.

Now that I'm reaching mid-life, I cringe at the thought of taking time off work to play a game. If it means that much to you, more power to you. Apparently I've separated from the hardcore gamer scene.