I think video games are addictive because life can be really boring, especially if you aren't rich with the means to travel, have fun vehicles, tools, etc. (whatever is your hobby/gifting). You can do all that in games and still get up and go to the kitchen for a cold drink and sleep in your own bed that night.

Before video games, people escaped with TV or books or plays, etc. Gaming is just more high-octane.

I personally don't think companies are intentionally developing manipulative content in games, they're just doing what they like and think will sell, and most gaming companies are left-leaning, as is all media. So it's full of their values. Basically any new-tech company is progressive by nature because conservatives are really reticent to any kind of change, not just social.