I consider video games to be multiple hobbies as each genre can scratch such a massively different brain itch. Sinking into a JRPG vs sinking into an RTS are very different levels of mental engagement.

I genuinely thought I was NT because I was comparing my quantity of interests to my brothers quantity of interests. He’s autistic, he has one interest.

Then I’d compare my quantity of interests to my best friends quantity of interests, he has ADHD hyperactive type, he has 700+ interests.

And I have like, 25 (and that’s if I split up larger interests into subcategories)

So I’m normal…except for all the sensory issues, executive dysfunction, impulsively, social difficulties, memory issues, communication deficits, learning difficulties, inability to establish routines, poor interoception resulting in medical complications from failing to attend to basic needs because I’m “in the zone” on something else.

Jokes on me, I have AuDHD.

Some of my “symptoms” cancel each other out in a way I’m very grateful for, and others conflict with each other in the most debilitating ways. That feeling when you are somehow catastrophically overstimulated and also your brain is tearing itself down the middle in desperate need for some dopamine through sensory input…

Video games can also be a lot. When normies play, they play one game or two. Say fifa and cod. My steam lib is 500+