It's okay to play games to pass the time. OK for entertainment. Playing games increases intelligence. But the main thing is how long the game is playing. Kids or people of any age have no problem playing it for 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you cross it, you will get addicted. Everything is harmful, whether it is a virtual or artificial game. Everybody is brainwashing us when it comes to virtual games. Be practical, all games are useless except physical games.
There are people who are feeling depress and their way of getting out of it is to play video games. Video games today are no longer the same as before like Bomberman, Bomb Jack, Super Mario and etc. The games now allows you to meet new people online such as it's also being rolled as as social media.
I've met a lot of new friends through games and not only that, there are gamers who are now professional gamers that makes them earn a living. I guess it only depends how you use the game as a platform for your interest. Could be for entertainment, career or just for pass time.