system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: How does the "Meta" in Video Games develop?

How does the metagaming come about in game that are played competitively like Street Fighter or Overwatch? Do developers account for that or is it a entirely fan made thing?
gpt
The metagame is almost always originally created by players. Players want to try to win, typically certain strategies are more effective. Even with "perfect balance" players' preferences tend to congregate (for example, a group of influential people agree a strategy is good, so they begin playing it. As they become experienced with that strategy, writing guides and so forth, they get better with that strategy so the strategy becomes even better). It's inevitable that certain strategies will become more common.

Developers will often influence the metagame by nerfing strategies that are deemed too powerful or "too stagnant" so the players and fans don't get bored.

Developers might also choose to reinforce the metagame. Somewhat famously in League of Legends, developers force players to play with assigned lanes fitting predefined roles. It was a bit controversial, because this means every single league game follows the same formulaic lane assignments. (Compare to other MOBAs where the lane you choose to go is a very important strategic decision.) But there are advantages as well. When you log in and play a game of League, you know exactly what you're doing and what your responsibilities are. For a 30 minute game with 9 other complete strangers, it makes it a lot easier to jump in.