I hear what you are saying as a former gamer up to mid 20's. Around that point I lost interest in playing games. It became a routine chore without the feeling

I hear what you are saying as a former gamer up to mid 20's. Around that point I lost interest in playing games. It became a routine chore without the feeling of gratification or accomplishment. The reason is simple - I started to have other goals in life (of course, after realizing the normal route is shit, as you say. I think it's natural that people like to play games. Our mind is wired for it, which is a whole subject in itself. We want to feel the things that games provide, like the classic purpose, mastery, and autonomy. It's just that games provide a much easier way to get there than modern America does. Our primal mind is geared towards daily survival tribal life, not long term investment. That said, what was said about the rock concert in real life vs YouTube is true. That's what gets me to play the game of life instead, even if I have to delay gratification. I've got a taste of the good stuff (money, girlfriend, etc.) and I'm not going back. To me the solution for young people is to help them to taste the same gratification, the feeling that life can be fun and promising. And that could mean something as simple as introducing them to a sport, a path outside of school, or just getting them to a place where they can meet new people.