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This argument runs parallel to the argument that violent game playing does not make people violent. There is a dispute about the affects of game play and excessive game playing for a reason. That dispute exists because there is an affect. And, there are consequences.

Whether we are talking about video games or anything else that we are exposed to, it does affect humans. This is especially true when you talk about doing anything excessively. Excessively is objective and it varies for situation and individual, but the definition requirements might be much lower than you think.

A perfect example is the statistic that police officers and military veterans are more likely to have domestic violence problems. Another example is people who are isolated quickly start to not only lose social skills but their desire to have social interaction. This is relevant because video games can often introduce similar effects.

Consider that fact that, many video games have people playing by themselves for extended periods of time. Then also consider the fact that many of the most popular games are highly violent. While we can rationally seperate games from reality, these repetitive activites, simulated stress and social isolation do have an effect.

Studies prove that repetitive activities actually create a physiological change in the brain. Over time the changes actually create strong neural pathways that cause our brain to favor certain behaviors and create "default" reactions to certain input. These changes result in modified behavior. 

So, the reality is, playing hours of video games per day absolutely does change the players behavior. It absolutely does increase the brains tendency to consider a violent response to stressful situation and absolutely does reduce the players social skills. In most cases this is extremely subtle. So much so, that it may go unnoticed and therefore deemed negligeable.

Knowing these facts is important. Even if you are willing to make this trade to enjoy this type of reacreation, don't let the desire to defend this favorite pass-time blind you to the facts.