I couldn't agree with you more. Outside influences definitely affect our thinking in more ways than one. I am not as in tune with video games, but I can definitely say that my novel-in-progress "There Will Be Blood" gets outside influence from an array of anime. Yes, I am a weeaboo and proud. Many cynical animes such as "Code Geass", "Neon Genesis Evangelion", "No Game No Life", and a more horrific example "Another" affect my writing wholeheartedly. I could not write without an outside inspiration to give me ideas and spark creativity.