For example with Zachtronics games (very programming-puzzle-esque games), I doubt I could play it for long. It would be similar to messing about with an Esolang

For example with Zachtronics games (very programming-puzzle-esque games), I doubt I could play it for long. It would be similar to messing about with an Esolang, but more structured. While I enjoy using Esolangs, I can only ever do it in short bursts, and I imagine the same would hold if I started playing a Zachtronics game. For Factorio, it is just barely different enough from regular programming (due to various parts, such as the grid based nature of reality, etc) that if I am in the right mood I could play it quite easily for several hours. Yet, if I am in the wrong mood/state-of-mind, then I will constantly compare it to what I am coding and likely stop playing after an hour. I will say that Factorio is far more distilled in it's problem solving nature than you'll usually get with programming, which can make it scratch that itch of solving something. While I still enjoy Factorio after playing it for some hours, I'm more likely to code now than I am to play it. Still quite enjoyable and worth the money and possibly the time, though.