monumental waste of time especially considering there's nothing to gain except the highest score or defeating the big boss.

A lot of gamers are gonna take huge issue with this I'm sure you know. But I think that is justified. For example, take The famous Final Fantasy series.

There are deep philosophies carved into the landscape and characters within, and they may develop to such an extent that, like any of the best novels, leave you feeling empty and fully thought provoked for days after completion, practically mourning the end of a journey.

I don't see how this is any different, any more a waste of time than the recreation found in music, movies, TV, art, literature, or anything else - in fact, it is often a brilliant blend of the lot.

In Final Fantasy 9, each character is described by a simple two-line quote, and each of their stories develop significantly, their narrative stories unfolding and teaching the player values of virtue, despair, sorrow, dilemma, arrogance, solitude, indulgence, and devotion.

To be forgotten is worse than death
How do you prove that you exist?
I don't want to be alone anymore
You don't need a reason to help people
Having sword fealty, must I spend my life in servitude?
The only dependable thing about the future is uncertainty

And so on.

The music reflects these perfectly to the point that the composer has accomplished legendary status, with a massive following for decades, comparing him to a combination of the Beatles' power of a catchy tune, and Beethoven's powerful grasp of emotion. Most final fantasy players will be inextricably linked to its music.

There are a lot of games that really are just collecting points and winning. But most of the big games are generally so much more, even if not with such depth of story and character, still provide us with incredibly artistic experiences that you can actively engage in.

Edit:

Just as an example of the music:

This, without giving you spoilers what is considered the greatest (and saddest) moment in all gaming history, here's a rendition of a tune that has likely made millions of people around the world cry for years after playing the game, Final Fantasy 7, performed by multiple world class orchestras since its inception in the late 90's!

Dang, Nobuo Uematsu. I got something in my eye