Speaking of games, if I'm not mistaken, there is some game theory that proves it is better to cooperate than to instigate. But if someone instigates, it is better to retaliate than to cooperate, to assert one's position. This applies to all forms of interaction, whether it be between countries, people, companies, cars on the road (ooh wait, that probably isn't a great idea), and maybe even this blockchain.
Point being, game theory suggests we can all gain from cooperation. No one single form of winner here...