Funny you mention video games, i always explain my obsession with ableton as "the best and last video game i will ever play". Extending the analogy further, you compare composition to the development and coding of a game where my instinct was to call it the game itself. Maybe we could learn from each other's perspective.

Where your view would imply already knowing (or hearing, in this case) where the player (listener) will go and composition is just a matter or translation and storytelling, making production the attention to detail and aesthetics like graphics or physics engines. That level of intent and vision is something I definitely wish i had.

On the "player"-side of the analogy, the frustration can be eclipsed by enjoyment of the game itself. Almost like playing GTA Vice City and not worrying about the missions. Just letting the enjoyment of the escapism carry your experience. I guess this would be reliant on inspiration, which could be another problem itself, but if you just let go and follow what feels good maybe the story (song) will write itself. Then composition is just a matter of editing. If it's not perfect, hit reset! (Showing my age, i dont even know if game systems have a reset button anymore, in our case itd be cmmd+'s' and then cmmd+'n'!)

Ideally, we'd use a dose of both to get a piece finished but your post highlighted something in my own 'workflow' that i could improve. Thanks.