“The Evolution of Trust” is an interactive game by Nicky Case that uses game theory to explore how trust builds or breaks down over time.
What?
The game simulates the Prisoner’s Dilemma, where two players choose to cooperate or betray each other.
- Prisoner’s Dilemma Basics:
- Both Cooperate: Both receive a moderate reward.
- One Betrays: Betrayer gets everything; the other gets nothing.
- Both Betray: Both receive a negative outcome.
- Example: If both stay silent, each get 2 years in prison. If one betrays while the other cooperates, the betrayer goes free, and the other gets 5 years.
Why?
The game explores Evolutionary Game Theory by simulating how different strategies fare over repeated interactions in a population.
Strategies:
-
Always Cooperate:
- Always chooses to cooperate.
- Outcome: Easily exploited by betrayers; doesn’t fare well alone.
-
Always Cheat:
- Always chooses to betray.
- Outcome: Can dominate cooperators but does poorly against itself.
-
Copycat (Tit for Tat):
- Starts by cooperating, then mimics the opponent’s last move.
- Outcome: Promotes mutual cooperation; retaliates against betrayal.
-
Grudger:
- Cooperates until betrayed once, then always betrays.
- Outcome: Punishes betrayal but doesn’t forgive mistakes.
-
Copykitten:
- Similar to Copycat but more forgiving; tolerates occasional betrayal.
- Outcome: Better in environments with errors; maintains cooperation.
What did we learn?
- In the simulations, strategies like Copycat succeed because they foster ongoing mutual cooperation.
- When mistakes occur (accidental betrayals), forgiving strategies like Copykitten outperform strict ones.