Arrival Non-zero sum game? [closed]

In Arrival, how is a non-zero sum game more "science-y" than a win-win game? A non-zero sum game can be all of win-win, win-lose, and lose-lose. How is this an appropriate term to use to describe a situation where everyone wins? This is the same thing as describing as describing war as a conflict. Yes, a conflict describes war. But is it really accurate? In the same sense, yes, a non-zero sum game is describing the situation at hand, but it isn't more accurate than a win-win game. Can someone please clarify why the filmmakers put this scene in? It ruins the credibility of the film.

arrival

Best Answer

A zero-sum game is by its nature adversarial. Anything that you gain, I lose, and vice versa. In a non-zero sum game, benefit is not mutually exclusive, so we can both gain from playing. You are correct that this is the same as a win-win, but this is described in scientific game theory parlance in the movie.

A non-zero sum game typically does not describe a lose-lose scenario, since both parties have the opportunity to maximize the utility of the outcome. There's no reason why both parties would take action to lose. A win-lose scenario is also better described as a zero-sum game - there's no reason for anyone to lose when it's a non-zero sum game. In practice, non-zero sum games are ones in which both players achieve maximum utility, i.e., a win-win.

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Can there be a non-zero-sum game?

Non-zero-sum games are also non-strictly competitive, as opposed to the completely competitive zero-sum games, because such games generally have both competitive and cooperative elements. Players engaged in a non-zero sum conflict have some complementary interests and some interests that are completely opposed.

What is an example of a non-zero-sum game?

A non zero sum game is a situation where there is a net benefit or net loss to the system based on the game's outcome. An example of what should be considered a non zero sum game is a contest between a trade ship and a pirate ship, although it may look like one at first glance.

What is the opposite of a zero-sum game?

Zero-sum games are the opposite of win-win situations\u2014such as a trade agreement that significantly increases trade between two nations\u2014or lose-lose situations, like war, for instance. In real life, however, things are not always so obvious, and gains and losses are often difficult to quantify.

What does it mean when someone says zero-sum game?

Definition of zero-sum game : a situation in which one person or group can win something only by causing another person or group to lose it Dividing up the budget is a zero-sum game.

Arrival soundtrack - Non-Zero-Sum Game

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