5. Self Evaluation
Yes, a video game can make you a more thoughtful person. Even a violent video game. Games can make you more empathetic, more mature, more introspective. As a result, you will come away with something positive from virtually every game you play, even if the choices you make within the game itself do not reflect that. In one of 2012's most lauded titles, Far Cry 3, you descend into insanity, and you are given a choice: relinquish your humanity in favor of power, or stick to what you believe in and save the day. Obviously, the politically correct choice would be the latter. You know what you're expected to do, you know what would make the most sense, and your moral consciousness is at odds with what you want to see happen. The fact that you're given a choice in the matter tests your morality. This story is going to turn out how you tell it to. In a less extreme example, the more recent Tomb Raider presents you with a rather simple choice of the same concept. A man tries to harm Lara, but ends up fatally wounded. In his last few breaths he begs Lara to just kill him and put him out of his misery. You have full control at this point. This isn't a cutscene. So you can take your revenge and kill this man, or you can just saunter away and continue to your destination. It doesn't effect the game in any way, you don't receive anything from either choice, but it's enough to make you pause, to make you truly think about your decision. In this way, you're evaluating what's important to you, the player.