Puzzle games (Portal) can improve ones ability to solve difficult problems and figure out solutions in the physical world
Strategy games (starcraft) can improve a persons reflexes and ability to adapt to different situations under time and competitive pressure, not to mention how to properly manage available recources
MOBA (Dota) MMORPG(WOW) and even class-based shooters can teach groups how to work together and communicate
Thematic, historical, philosophical games (AC, Last Of Us, crap tons of indies) can open up access to different views and understandings of the world
So yeah, games can be pretty useful.
I <3 Classic Platformers!
Multi-console Owner FTW