Not a gamer but...

I am not a gamer but there are a few games that can help brainstorming ideas for writing.
My first example is Sid Meyer's Civilization series.  For more info: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilization_%28video_game%29) and (http://www.civilization.com/us/home/)
I was introduced to the game by a college fellow.  At my first try, I score high.  Never attained that score again but I was hooked.  I think it can be a good tool to see how a civilization can evolve and interact with other.  It is a kind of simulator for civilization.  There are various way to win.  For example, in Civilization II, there the option of being beat up, beat all other civilizations, go into space before the others and attain a certain year (2010 or 2020, if not mistaken.  Something like that).

It is great for writing.  It can give more to fantasy and science fiction.  While playing, there are some parameter that can be tried.  After that, the results can be use in for an world of fantasy.  The map can be used too.  The names of cities and civilization can be changed.

Sid Meyer also made Alpha Centauri, a game (http://sidmeiersalphacentauri.wikia.com/wiki/Sid_Meier%27s_Alpha_Centauri_Wiki).  There was also a book trilogy based on that.
http://www.amazon.ca/Centauri-Dawn-Michael-Ely/dp/0671040774/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1403556214&sr=1-2
http://www.amazon.ca/Centauri-Dawn-Michael-Ely/dp/0671040774/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1403556214&sr=1-2
http://www.amazon.ca/Twilight-Mind-Michael-Ely/dp/0671040790/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1403556214&sr=1-4
It can be used like the civilization series.  Instead of civilization, there are factions.  I find ideology fun to work with. There was also broils that could attack.  Alliance with other factions.  Some factions weren't good allies, as being opposite each other.

Inspiration can be found in some weird places!