Game Theory – Meaning, Example, Types, Importance and More

Game Theory is primarily a mathematical framework but has found applications in many fields ranging from social sciences to the biological sciences. This theory analyzes the decision-making of a player based on how they expect other players to make a decision. In other words, we can say that it helps in determining optimal rational choices given a set of circumstances.

For instance, one can easily apply this theory to come up with the most likely outcome if there are two or more players and the payouts are known. Pioneers of this theory are mathematicians John von Neumann and John Nash and Oskar Morgenstern, an economist.

Before we move forward with the Game Theory, let us see an example to get a better understanding of the theory.

Game Theory Example

The best example to understand game theory is the prisoner’s dilemma. Under this ideal hypothetical situation, two criminals arrested for robbing a bank. The police, however, do not have any solid proof against them. But, to get their confession, both the prisoners were put in separate cells. There is no way the two can talk with each other. Both prisoners get four options to choose from:

  1. If both confess to robbing the bank, they will each get a prison sentence of four years.
  2. If prisoner 1 confesses, but prisoner two doesn’t, then the first one will receive a prison sentence of one year. The other one will get a nine-year sentence.
  3. If prisoner 2 confesses but not prisoner 1, then prisoner one will get a ten-year prison sentence. The other one will get a prison sentence of one year.
  4. If both do not confess, then each will get a prison sentence of two years.

Of the four choices, the best option for both is not to confess (option 4). But, since neither of the two is aware of what the other will do, it creates uncertainty. Thus, as they are unsure if the other will confess, both will likely admit that they get the lowest prison sentence. Or, we can say that both the prisoners will make a decision that is best for each, but not best for them together.

Types of Game Theory

The two most common types of game theories are cooperative game theory and non-cooperative game theory. The collaborative game theory talks about how groups or coalitions interact or behave when the payoffs are known. The game theory helps explain how (or the reason for) groups are created and how they distribute the payoff among the members within the group. In this, players benefit the maximum by cooperating. Moreover, players have nothing to gain by cheating. Cheating will result in the worst outcome. For example, driving on the right side of the road is suitable for all drivers.

Non-cooperative game theory talks about how individuals will interact with each other to achieve their objectives. This theory includes games where the available strategies and outcomes are listed. A simple example of this theory is the game Rock-Paper-Scissors. The above example of the Prisoners’ Dilemma is also an example of non-cooperative game theory.

Game Theory

Nash Equilibrium

As per mathematician John Nash, this is an outcome or equilibrium where no player can raise the payoff by altering the decision independently. This equilibrium holds in the non-cooperative games.

The movie ‘A Beautiful Mind’ is only based on Nash’s life. As per the film, the mathematician got the idea of the theory by observing all his friends try to hit on the most beautiful girl. Seeing this, he decided to hit on the second or the third most beautiful woman to improve his chances.

Nash’s equilibrium shows that one can reach desirable outcomes (economic, political, or social) without entering into any contracts.

Importance of Game Theory

As said above, game theory has practical applications in several fields. Thus, it helps with:

  • Economists use this theory to analyze the actions of oligopoly firms, such as OPEC. It allows analysts and economists to understand the firms’ decisions regarding setting the prices, collaboration, price wars, and more. Moreover, the theory will enable economists to predict the outcomes.
  • Help businesses make strategic choices, such as whether or not to retire existing products, lower the price of an existing product, launch a new product, use new marketing strategies, and more.
  • It helps explain market equilibrium in a scenario when there are two or more firms.

Limitations

Following are the limitations of the game theory:

  • Like most theories, the biggest drawback of the game theory is that it depends on assumptions. The approach uses assumptions, like people behave rationally in self-interest, and more. In many scenarios, these assumptions may not hold.
  • This game theory may encounter various situations where you may not get the answer you need, even with rationality or diplomacy.  For instance, there could be a situation when the mutual benefit is not an ideal outcome.
  • There are always chances or some aspects of uncertainty that favor one user over another. This uncertainty contradicts the concept of game theory.

Final Words

The game theory has applications in numerous fields, be it computer science, biology, philosophy, and more. Economists and strategists always refer to this theory to come up with a better product, policy, and a better social or economic environment. Even in our lives, we are always in a game where our actions and decisions depend on the activities, decisions, and feelings of others.



Sanjay Borad

Sanjay Bulaki Borad

MBA-Finance, CMA, CS, Insolvency Professional, B'Com

Sanjay Borad, Founder of eFinanceManagement, is a Management Consultant with 7 years of MNC experience and 11 years in Consultancy. He caters to clients with turnovers from 200 Million to 12,000 Million, including listed entities, and has vast industry experience in over 20 sectors. Additionally, he serves as a visiting faculty for Finance and Costing in MBA Colleges and CA, CMA Coaching Classes.

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