A lot of references are made concerning life being a game..........

I understand where you're coming from.
I think we see life as we live life, and if people are into playing games that is how they see life.
I heard many people saying life is a dream and then you wake up, makes sense if you are a dreamer.
One expression that always irritates me is when someone is says that other person is wasting their life.
I do not see life as being wasted by others, maybe I do not agree with their choices in life, or they way they live their life, but it is their life, they will learn something and move on, or go on living it the same way as that is what they want, but I do not consider that a waste, just another experience they are going through.

I think you friend Paul is a wise fellow.
I don't think being a winner or a loser is based on what you have, that's just monetary success or failure, just ONE aspect of life. To me, life isn't about money, it's about the kind of person you are. I don't own much but I am not a loser in any sense of the word. I'm a good wife, a good mother, a good friend. I am who I want to be.