A video game is a controlled form of play, often undertaken for fun or entertainment, and at times used as a teaching tool. Video games are quite different from work, which obviously is normally done for monetary gain, and from literature, which is often more of an expression of artistic or philosophical views. It’s interesting to note that the origins of most computer games design started as a tool for entertainment rather than for academic study. This means that most people don’t play video games with the same seriousness that they might otherwise do literature or historical readings.
One of the most fundamental theories of game design and the rules that dictate the very nature of the game is known as “game theory”. In this theory, designers and players create a virtual world in which they can act out different kinds of activities, using a variety of tools. These activities have the goal of attaining an optimal score, by getting as many correct “yes” or “no” responses as possible. If a player receives a “yes”, his next action is to do whatever it takes to gain the highest score, regardless of whether this means manipulating another player, or even cheating.
Game theory then states that the game results will be influenced by how players interact with each other, as well as with the environment. If two players are to have an optimal score, then they must be able to form a stable and fair partnership, where neither player uses the other to get ahead. They must also be able to adjust their actions to make sure that neither player gains an advantage over the other. In this way, game theory suggests that the game is like a “prisoner’s Dilemma”, in which the player who seems to be the prisoner is unable to prevent his partner from making certain moves. While there may be many possible outcomes in this game, all of them satisfy the above description.
Many people think of this game as a classic game, where the outcome is pre-determined. However, there are four main sub-principles of game theory, each having its own view of the nature of equilibrium. The first is known as the non-cooperative game theory, where all of the individuals involved in a game will try to do what is best for themselves, rather than what is best for the other individual. Under this principle, a win by any player is a loss for all other players. To put it in simple terms, this means that if two players are playing a non-cooperative game, then no matter what that player does, he or she will not be able to benefit from it.
The second principle is known as the maximising theory, based on the idea that each person has an optimal level of production. Game theory shows that this optimum can be reached through cooperation, rather than competition. Therefore, the best strategy for one player is not always the best strategy for the other players. By creating an environment where there is limited interaction and everyone works together towards a common goal, people tend to be much more productive.
The third principle is known as the dictator game theory, which suggests that a player will try to do the most good for himself that is possible, and will not necessarily cooperate with other players. For this principle, the object is to take as many points as possible, rather than simply focusing on the satisfaction of others. For example, if a player has a monopoly and wishes to double that sum, he will not necessarily collaborate with other players in order to do so. Rather than aligning themselves with other players, they may choose to remain self-sufficient. For this reason, the dictator game theory suggests that there are different strategies available depending on whether you are playing a game of Politics, Business, War or Deceit.