Non-zero-sum Games In the early 1940s, John Von Neumann developed a game theory model that has come to be known as the zero-sum game. This type of game involves two players in which one party’s gain or loss is exactly precisely balanced by the others. In this game, each of the players has different options and they can either cooperate by making mutually beneficial decisions or they can compete to reach their own goals.
Non-zero-sum games, also known as non-constant sum games, are the opposite of zero-sum games, in which gains and losses are not necessarily equal. Consider a classic game of rock, paper, scissors. When two players cooperate, they both benefit. For example, if Player A chooses rock and Player B chooses paper, both players receive a point. If, however, Player A chooses scissors and Player B chooses rock, Player A loses a point and Player B gains a point. In non-zero-sum games, the sum of the gains and losses does not always equal zero, unlike in zero-sum games.
Non-zero-sum games can involve three or more players and can take many different forms. The most well-known form is the Prisoner’s Dilemma. In this game, two players can choose to cooperate or defect. If both players cooperate, they both receive a moderate reward. If both players defect, they both suffer a small punishment. If one player cooperates while the other defects, the player who defects receives a large reward while the other player suffers a large punishment. The Prisoner’s Dilemma is an example of a non-zero-sum game in which both players benefit when they cooperate, but the defector always receives the larger payoff.
In addition to the Prisoner’s Dilemma, there are many other non-zero-sum games. A common game is the Chicken game, in which two players have to choose between cooperation or retreat. Both players benefit if they both retreat, but one player benefits more if they choose to cooperate while the other chooses to retreat. This game is also known as “tit for tat,” and is an example of a game that both players can potentially benefit from.
Non-zero-sum games are an important part of game theory because they provide a way for multiple players to interact and possibly reach an agreement or compromise. As opposed to zero-sum games, non-zero-sum games allow players to benefit from cooperation instead of competing for resources. Because of this, non-zero-sum games are often used in negotiations and other areas where there is a possibility of reaching a beneficial outcome for all parties involved.