I guess if you're the kind of person who thinks that art can be a worthwhile and meaningful part of someone's life (and I do), and that games can be art (which hopefully most people recognize by now), then they can be seen as changing people's lives to some extent.
I can't argue that a game could be more effectual than something like Google, obviously, but I think games are a lot more than a way to pass or waste time, and definitely can provide a lot to people.
I agree on the value of art and that games can be art; however, I think the majority of time spent on games is entirely divorced from any kind of artistic appreciation or experience. Farmville and grinding for levels in WoW come to mind. A good parallel is television: some is art, much is garbage.
I can't argue that a game could be more effectual than something like Google, obviously, but I think games are a lot more than a way to pass or waste time, and definitely can provide a lot to people.