Winning isn't fun. If you disagree, you're a loser.

I mean, winning can’t be fun, can it? If it is, why do so many people reply with “I’m just here to have fun” when told to get better at a video game?

You all know that guy. He’s not very good at a competitive video game, like Dota 2 or Street Fighter. And there’s nothing wrong with that, because everyone has to start somewhere. You do feel bad for him though; it seems he loses a lot more than he wins. Worse still, if it’s a team-based game like Dota 2 or Counter Strike, he’ll drag the team down and cause a loss for everyone.

But you grit your teeth. He’s your friend. You manage a smile and politely, ever so tactfully, ask him if he is interested in getting better. You are willing to teach him, to impart all the knowledge you acquired through getting your butt kicked. But like a slap to the face or a kick to the groin, he brushes you off and says something along the line of, “Nah, I’m just a casual player. I don’t need to take this game seriously. I’m happy just having fun. See you tomorrow night, I can’t wait to bring down my entire team, and maybe after that I’ll kick a puppy.”

There’s only one logical conclusion: Winning is not fun. Not for these people. Somehow, they feel like there has to be some sort of compromise made. That if you want to win, you have to actually try. Training? Yuck! Effort? Gross!

Did I miss the memo? Is winning no longer the point of competitive video games? Because I have noticed a rising number of such people, who want to enjoy all of the competitiveness of video games without any of that silly actual competitive spirit.

(See: China’s competitive gaming circles reflect on a year of losses and maybe a way forward)

In the worst-case scenarios, some of them even get mad when you offer advice, or give them constructive criticism (note: “you suck” is not constructive). Like, why you gotta cramp my style, bro? I totally wanted to lose that round. You’re ruining my buzz. Watch me die 20 times in my next Dota 2 match. And then I’ll kick another puppy afterwards.

They act like it’s rude for you to tell them how to play the game. But isn’t it rude of them to turn down help in getting better? Goodness knows you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone willing to take multiple Dota 2 losses just to show his friend the ropes.

The character that comes to mind whenever I encounter people who seem to enjoy losing.

Maybe saying “I’m just here to have fun” is a defense mechanism. Perhaps they are just trying to hold on to some pride after a brutal ass whooping, by saying they have too much going on in their real life to commit deeply to a game.

For years I have told myself, maybe it’s just me. Everyone derives different pleasures from video games, and it’s not my place to say which is better. Not everyone is willing to invest as much time and effort into learning a video game as I am.