Well, what about fun? Both for games and television I'd argue that they're fine in moderation, and that it depends on what particular game or film/show.

The Wire? Awesome and very educational. Planescape Torment (or other RPG's)? Better, in some ways, than a great book.

Also, chess is a game too, so really just a subset of 'games'. I don't really see what you're trying to point out with that comparison.