I consider 3 eras, first one from the first games to 1984, arcade games only, the golden era.
Second era, tech improving, sprites getting bigger, playability takes a step back and appearance counts more, playable games become a minority, only thing improving is simulations. Only new thing is FPS but they also devolve into...
Third era, videogames as drug. Games as ways to get you hooked and spend money or time on add ons, or in building something.
IMHO get MAME and play the first arcades. If your tongue sticks out while playing the game is good. Play also FPS where skill is paramount. I used to play sauerbraten, I should reinstall and see how many ppl are left. Also pinball vpx scene is interesting. Indie games that focus on gameplay and not career. Chess, and board games. All the rest is wasting time on interactive fiction, not gaming.