I do not understand how “what did you do in this nice weather” or “what game did you play” is any different than “how are you”. They are all conversational, the

I do not understand how “what did you do in this nice weather” or “what game did you play” is any different than “how are you”. They are all conversational, they all express an interest in your life. “How are you” is a hell of a lot less superfluous in a work context than either of the alternatives you provide, especially than the gaming question. If you’re in America, you’d best learn to use the conversational generics, or you’ll be going nowhere fast.