Games are more fun than hobby programming because (usually) the feedback loop is very quick, they're designed to guarantee that success is possible, and you can

Games are more fun than hobby programming because (usually) the feedback loop is very quick, they're designed to guarantee that success is possible, and you can tell why you failed at something. For hobby programming I think you need to want something more than just the process once you get past a certain level of ability. You have to want the thing you're creating. (But I have a terrible track record on hobby projects and could be totally wrong!)