Is playing computer or video games Haram since you control human and other life-like animations on the screen? Is programming these games Haram as well?

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

The ruling concerning the mass media such as television, video, and computer depends on their use. If they are used for a lawful purpose such as listening to the recitation of the Quran, reading Ahadeeth, seeking Islamic or useful knowledge, modern science such as medicine, engineering and the like, then using them is permissible, and even mandatory at times.
Their use for any forbidden purpose, such as looking at women's pictures, or watching pornographic films, or listening to music, songs, etc. is forbidden, since committing what is unlawful is forbidden regardless of its means.

The above ruling also applies to games and sports. If they contain any forbidden act, or divert one from prayers, remembering Allah, or drives one to deviation, then they are forbidden. If they are free from prohibitions, then they are permitted. Every means to what is unlawful is forbidden in itself and every means to what is lawful is permissible.
For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa 375331, 384559, 379243, and 95009.

Allah knows best.