When I play games scratching programming itch I always think if I'd be better of working on pet projects instead.

I’m one of those people. And what we do is write actual software for fun rather than pretend software in a computer game.

If I wanted logic flow embedded in a game then I’d want it in an environment that’s far removed from traditional programming. Such as building contraptions in Minecraft.

That's why you can speed up the simulation. Certain portions of flight are dramatically more entertaining than others. So take an hour to boot up the 777 from cold and dark, setup all the computers and management, do all the preflight, manage taxi and takeoff, then run the actual 7 hour flight at 10x speed so you can do the fun landing.

But even games that seem like just a job can be fun. Euro Truck simulator is fun because you are entirely self directed. Each job produces tangible results and you feel yourself progressing in a clear way that you often do not feel in a real job.

Yes, but many dream about actual flying for real, but cannot so enjoy this substitute.

(I enjoy more arcade style)

What’s Zachtronics. Never heard of it.