When we look at games that focus on multiplayer and specifically competitive multiplayer we tend to look at one thing and one thing only: who is at the top of the leaderboard. However this over reliance on 1st place tends to be the actual reason we are not successful in games.
If we take a look at Mario Kart It might be pretty easy to forget that the point of the game is to have the most points after 4 games, and that the individual races in the Grand Prix mean next to nothing. If you place first in one but last in another means nothing. As long as you have the most points over 4 games then you’re in top shape. However that is not how most people play the game. Most see the game as a dash for the first place, and subsequently the finish line.
However this mindset might actually be what hurts most people. See from a strategic perspective, 1st place is the worst place to be in. You get the worst items and don't get the help of the rubber banding that is effect in the game. The best place to be from a strategic view would to be in 2nd place up until the very last minute before trying to move into first. This would allow you to prevent specific people from getting the most points, and also would spare you from the dreaded blue shell.
However when we play Mario Kart we tend to ignore the strategy behind it. Our inherent competitive nature tends to ignore the overall goal of the game for the smaller but seemingly more significant victory. When I played people where more happy when they took first in the single race than when they were in position to win the entire Grand Prix. This mentality is not exclusive to “Kart Racers” all competitive games tend to fall into this idea. Nothing is worse than a teammate who ignores the objective in hopes of getting an “ace” or a 2.0 K/D. The point of the game is clear however when we play, we tend to ignore the objective in favor of these smaller self-made games.
I wonder why these self made “games” tend to be more appealing than the original, is it that there is more satisfaction in being at the top of the leaderboard? Or are these smaller accomplishments more easily tracked and therefore more accessible to the casual audience? Who knows but hopefully next time I'm carried to a victory my teammates will understand it was all a strategic move.