@Jay Bryant I agree, its not just video games, but games of any sort have this value in maintaining and boosting intelligence, advancing neuron connections, pattern recognition, mathematical prowess etc. Video games add the ability to do so at one's own timing pace when there is no one locally to participate with.

This why games like Scrabble, Chess, etc. are also important learning tools, whether in traditional form or as videogames. The same of course applies to even more complex games and systems in computer games and online games where you have to deal with numerous other factors and adapt and develop strategies on the go due to random things like terrain in movement, resource management etc.