Executive summary: Non-zero-sum games are situations where one party’s gain does not necessarily equal another party’s loss. There are positive-sum games with win-win outcomes, negative-sum games where all parties lose, and complex “meta-games” where zero-sum competitions are part of larger non-zero-sum systems.
Key points:
Zero-sum games like chess have clear winners and losers where one’s gain equals the other’s loss. Common sayings reflect zero-sum thinking.
Positive-sum games result in win-win scenarios, like two collectors swapping card doubles to complete their collections.
Negative-sum games are lose-lose situations, like a bar fight resulting in injuries and damages. Identifying and avoiding these games can be beneficial.
Meta-games consist of embedded games within wider systems. A zero-sum competition can become part of a larger non-zero-sum industry.
In the real world, properly understanding complex multi-layered meta-games helps decide which games to play or avoid.
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Executive summary: Non-zero-sum games are situations where one party’s gain does not necessarily equal another party’s loss. There are positive-sum games with win-win outcomes, negative-sum games where all parties lose, and complex “meta-games” where zero-sum competitions are part of larger non-zero-sum systems.
Key points:
Zero-sum games like chess have clear winners and losers where one’s gain equals the other’s loss. Common sayings reflect zero-sum thinking.
Positive-sum games result in win-win scenarios, like two collectors swapping card doubles to complete their collections.
Negative-sum games are lose-lose situations, like a bar fight resulting in injuries and damages. Identifying and avoiding these games can be beneficial.
Meta-games consist of embedded games within wider systems. A zero-sum competition can become part of a larger non-zero-sum industry.
In the real world, properly understanding complex multi-layered meta-games helps decide which games to play or avoid.
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, and contact us if you have feedback.