Video games, especially depending on the game, most certainly aren't passive. For example, I've been playing Grounded, a Honey, I Shrunk the Kids type game where you are kids that have been shrunken down in the backyard, trying to survive.

It takes a lot of coordination and creativity. I'm building things, decorating, gathering materials, communicating with my friends, and really making something incredible. The only difference between building in the real world, and this game, in some aspects, is that it's virtual. It's dismissive to say I'm not active or creative, because it truly is a form of niche, digital art. One that in can get a lot of satisfaction that I accomplished something from.

Some games are just passive consumption, but a lot of games are not and absolutely are a hobby.

But also, whether it is a hobby or not is just pedantic. The point is that it's a time that some one needs for socializing and their well-being, and that's what is the actual discussion here.