It's a hobby like anything else, and hobbies typically keep people out of trouble, therefore, imo, good.

All hobbies are a waste of time. What we make out of them could be productive, but honestly, reading books wont make me a writer, watching TV wont make me a actor, playing football wont make me a proffessional, etc etc.

That doesnt make them bad. You can meet a lot of people and make new friends. You can become smarter and grow through teamwork/independence. But, unless you put your life to them, they are a simply time wasters

Few hobbies are productive because they are meant to be something a person can do for the simple purpose of entretainment and enjoyment. And it's not a bad habit as long as it's moderated, because thee only way gaming could hold intelligent people back is if they get addicted to the point that they do nothing else, so gaming itself is not a problem.

As long as you're enjoying yourself nothing you do is a waste of time.

It got me interested in programming, which landed me a great job later.
It helps me unwind, better than drinking while watching a movie.
It keeps me fit through winter with dance and exercise games.
It lets me be creative and share that creativity with others.
It lets me play together with my kids, teach them the usefulness of working together and manage frustration.

If playing games are a bad habit than so are reading books and watching movies IMO.
To me, games provide a story (which is why I prefer RPGs) and entertainment. Just like books and movies. So I don't personally consider them a bad habit.

Huh? I don't understand you comment. I said it's only fact, if you let gaming, or anything else, that you do in excess, ruin your life. That's the only time it's actually bad. If you never hit that point, nothing is a waste of time. 

It's about the same as reading or playing a musical instrument. Useless, but you have to spend your time somehow.

Quite honestly, what does "productive" even mean? Like... making money? Making some kind of legacy your (probably non-existent) descendants will forget in a few short decades?

As far as I'm concerned, we are on this planet to live as happy lives as possible. That is the most productive thing imaginable. Video games make you happy? Then they're productive. The end.

It all depends on the person. And everything is fine in moderation :)

We aren't a fucking machine, we can't be productive all the time. Gaming is just another time to waste time while having fun, what's wrong with that?