Islam is not against entertainment as long as it does not keep a person from an obligation and its means does not contain anything un-Islamic. By the same token, as long as computer or video games are void of undesirable themes and messages or pornographic pictures, then playing them can be considered as permissible. However, the permissibility here is conditional on the fact that one is resorting to it as an occasional outlet only; for there is no doubt whatsoever that if one’s indulgence in playing such electronic games in any way interferes with one’s performance of his/her worship or other obligatory duties, then it shall be considered as strictly forbidden.
Sheikh M. S. Al-Munajjid, a prominent Saudi Muslim lecturer and author, states the following: “Islam does not forbid leisure or having fun in permissible ways. The basic rule concerning these games is that they are permissible so long as they do not get in the way of obligatory duties such as establishing prayer [i.e., praying properly and on time] and honouring one’s parents, and so long as they do not include anything that is Haram.”
Based upon this, it is not Haram to play video games as long as none of the material contains indecency, pornography or anything against Islamic teachings and playing them does not keep one from doing an obligation. However, Muslim parents should be on alert regarding the content of these games and pay much attention to the choice of the beneficial games that do not go against the Islamic teachings before they bring them to their children.