Well, conflict is, pretty much, the backbone of any story, narrative, or motive. Has been for long.
Still, I’m not sure it’s all that relevant and necessary for a video game, I agree. Some of them just let me do things I can’t in real life, like building my stupid base on different planets and moons, or transforming the landscape for the sake of it.
Reject modernity, embrace tradition - we’ll still be there for you in the arena and boomer shooter crowd, and of course, various Counter-Strike and Team Fortress 2 lobbies.
Come prepared.