I still play sometimes, so I get periodic reminders how it used to feel. (I don't dislike it. It's great fun in moderation.) But the things I spend my time on today are things I wouldn't had done when I was younger (be social with friends I like that aren't toxic, exersize, read, travel), but not because I didn't want to, but because I thought I couldn't (because I was too shy, or didn't have friends with compatible interests). I'm pretty sure past-me would've been way happier doing what I spend my life on now than what he did back then (if he'd only get through the initial no-fun investment hump to actually get the non-toxic friends, or past the point where exersize goes from annoying and exhausting to energizing and fulfilling).

But because I didn't feel like the life I'm living now was within reach back then, I lied to myself about the benefits of video games (so people wouldn't bother me or I felt better about spending my time in that way). That's my takeaway from introspecting on the parents and mine similar sounding scenarios.