"At its best, entertainment is going to be a subjective thing that can't win for everyone, while at worst, a particular game just becomes a random symbol for petty tribal behavior"

John Carmack's quote discuss the dual nature of entertainment, particularly in the world of computer game, a market he's totally acquainted with. Let's break down the 2 elements of his statement:

To start with, Carmack acknowledges the fundamental subjectivity of entertainment. This implies that what one individual finds fascinating or satisfying, another might discover dull or off-putting. This subjectivity is particularly potent in imaginative mediums like computer game, motion pictures, or music, where personal tastes and choices deeply influence what is thought about "great" or "amusing". There is no universal requirement since each person's background, experiences, and personality form their response to a given piece of entertainment. As a result, creators deal with the obstacle of trying to please a broad audience, understanding it's difficult to please everyone. This aspect highlights the diversity of the entertainment industry, where a wide variety of genres and styles exist to deal with different preferences.

On the other hand, Carmack mentions that at its worst, a video game-- or any piece of home entertainment-- can end up being a "random sign for petty tribal habits". This describes the propensity of groups of fans to form strong allegiances to particular franchises, genres, or creators, in some cases to the extent of participating in hostile or exclusionary behavior. Such tribalism can manifest as extreme, unreasonable commitment, where fans defend their favorites strongly while disparaging others. This behavior can fracture neighborhoods and interfere with the common and satisfying aspects of entertainment. Instead of functioning as a bridge that links individuals through shared pleasure, the entertainment can end up being a battlefield for dissentious disputes and conflicts.

Overall, Carmack's quote motivates a reflection on how we engage with entertainment. It suggests a gratitude of its subjective nature while warning against the pitfalls of allowing our preferences to sustain unnecessary division.