Games you can play while chatting / learning / reading / doing stuff?

Chess

F.T.L.? Cookie Clicker xD

I tend to play The Binding of Isaac while listening to science radio shows on BBC iPlayer if that counts.

A game requires you to look at it and focus on what's happening so that automatically means you can't read something else and game at the same time and because of that also eliminates learning...which leaves chatting only...and honestly you can do that with just about any game.

It'd be better to run some show or something at low volume off to the side somewhere instead of looking for a game to try and relieve some of the boredom.

The only thing I can think of that breaks what I've said above is running an isometric ARPG with god mode/invulnerability cheats but even there you'll want to focus fully on the screen occasionally for special scenes or to find out what loot you've scored one your inventory ends up full.

Or "playing" FIFA by having 2 COM opponents square off against each other.

Lots of MMO's are like that. I've played Guild Wars 2 and APB Reloaded while doing some other stuff.

Try turn based games if you like them (I don't remember any right now.Sry).Just look and play a little and continue your work.

The Binding of Isaac, Hero Academy, Borderlands (if you know or don't care about the context or the story), Sonic and All Stars Racing Transformed, Dungeons of Dredmor, Serious Sam 3, Counter Strike (whichever you like, specialy in DM) and VVVVVV. That's all I can remember for now.

the bindings of isaac!

just don't play a game !

X series, maybe? Switch to autopilot (without SETA if you're out for longer) and let your factories earn money for you while you're doing your homework.

Terraria isn't bad for multitasking. Most of the time I was playing, I was also looking up items and whatnot. Unless you get a Blood moon or something... Other than that, any game you can pause is good too

any turn based game probably as you have some time between interaction

I guess Hearthstone's a hot contender these days. At least chatting works fine, learning probably won't.

EVE Online?

Civ V,go play it now!

footboll manager?

Defender's Quest. I pretty much rewatched all of Fringe while playing it

The King's Bounty games I guess. Go play more Armored Princess/Crossworlds. :P

XCOM: Enemy Unknown, or atleast the older games.

Most rogue-likes probably. Hack, Slash, loot, etc.

It's not a Steam game, but Minecraft's good for this. Especially on creative, if you're building something big. I've been laying floor slabs for days now while I watch Netflix.

Heartstone - FTL - X-COM - MechWarrior Online (as matches are short and fun as hell) - Frozen Synapse...

Pretty much anything turn based, or that requires little time. Personally i do short bursts of online games, turn based strategy (Civ V/shogun being a prime example) or else, depending on the situation at hand. (if you're studying, look for something that doesn't require too much concentration and can be finished quickly, for example).

Also i tend to spectate on LoL/DotA matches from time to time, using sound cues so as to know whether or not they're just farming or in the middle of a teamfight. I tried doing the same on Starcraft 2, but it's a bit more difficult.

Why is terraria on there o.O wouldn't you die if you didn't take care of your guy?

Fallen enchantress