It is art in the same way that things can be appreciated and enjoyed. For me though it's the immersion in games that does more for it than other mediums (maybe also books). It has the ability to draw you in make you feel like a character and world is yours and that has made a profound difference. I know people who just can't understand when I explain how I can play for hours at a time and generally it's immersion and gameplay that do it every time.