The Metagame, both a Benefit and a Detriment

A metagame is any approach to a game that transcends or operates outside of the prescribed rules of the game, uses external factors to affect the game, or goes beyond the supposed limits or environment set by the game. More often than not, the metagame can help a game become more better, as higher level players push the limits of the games outside the scope of what its creator have intended. This can cause the game to evolve to a much higher and professional level of play. Sometimes, the game developer(s) improve their game by following trends set by the metagame. As such, the game can become more enjoyable by its player base.

However, the metagame is not always healthy for a game. Often, the metagame is created because players wish to have an advantage over their competition so that they can win. This can result in degenerate gameplay in which players make moves that, while legal and are optimal decisions, can be seen in a negative light. This would make the game become less fun or enjoyable. Some of the player base may dislike these new trends, especially if the game becomes too different in comparison to the original design.

In my opinion, metagame tactics should be used to improve the game pass its normal limits. However, if the metagame causes the game to not as fun as it used to be, I believe the game developers need to do update the game so that current metagame trends either be less optimal or such tactics can be used against those who rely a lot on metagame decisions.