There are some developmental benefits to the eye-hand coordination in gaming, and some intellectual skills, so it isn't all negative. But too much of anything isn't good for them, and I set limits on the games when my kids were little. My son spends so much time doing homework now that he has little time for the games, and after chores and practicing his time is his own before bedtime.

I make a point of coming through the room every now and then and watching or inquiring about the game. He has friend over regularly to share in games so they get some good social interactions, and actually, they can be lured away from the video games by waving the RISK box in their general direction. :)

SRS