The Evolution of Trust： An interactive game to help us understand trust through game theory

The Evolution of Trust

Interesting Rating: 5/5

Supported Language: Chinese, English

Device Support: PC, Mobile

Today, site owner Cay introduces a very interesting game: The Evolution of Trust. This is an interactive guide based on game theory, designed to help people understand how trust is built and maintained.

Suitable for:

If you often interact with others or need to cooperate frequently in business, this game will be very helpful for you. It not only provides theoretical knowledge but also allows users to learn how to build and maintain trust through practical interactive experiences.

Game Introduction:

At the start, the game presents a background story set during World War I. In 1914, British and German soldiers met in the trenches, and instead of firing at each other, they exchanged food and cigarettes. This event is known as the “Christmas Truce.” The story demonstrates that even under extreme conditions, humans can still build trust and friendship.

Next, the game guides you to choose some characters. In each round, you need to decide whether to trust the other party. Every choice affects your relationship and your scores in the game.

I won’t go into the details here—everyone should experience it for themselves and immerse in the process. The main message the game’s creator wants to convey is that in this competitive world, trust is extremely important and precious. So how can we build a world of trust? The author offers these answers:

1. Repeated interactions: The more you interact, the greater the chance to build trust.
2. Believe in win-win: At least both sides should have the willingness to cooperate.
3. Learn to forgive: If your opponent makes a small mistake and is willing to correct it, give them another chance.

Game Background:

This game is adapted from the book “The Evolution of Cooperation” by American psychologist Robert Axelrod. In the 1980s, he conducted a series of game theory experiments to study the role of cooperation and trust in society. The game simulates these experiments, allowing players to experience the importance of trust and cooperation.

The original game was created by Nicky Case, an independent game developer and interactive designer focused on exploring complex social issues through games and interactive media. His works often combine education and entertainment, aiming to help people better understand social phenomena. You can access the original English version here: https://ncase.me/trust/