June 8, 2006

Rock Shades Sun

by Nick Montfort · , 11:54 pm

RPS-25

Imagine the situation, somewhat reminescient of another one you may remember: The sun is brought. You have a rock. You win, because Rock Shades Sun.

This is one of the 300 possible outcomes in RPS-25, a generalization of Rock, Paper, Scissors to 25 items. Be sure to see how all outcomes are spoken.

You know what a serious game and sport RPS is, surely. But the relevance to those in new media and compter gaming, those who don’t happen to be interested in decision theory? If this isn’t a digital game, I don’t know what is.

3 Responses to “Rock Shades Sun”


  1. andrew Says:

    Fun!

    But it doesn’t fare too well from a gender studies perspective: Woman wins over Man, but through Temptation. Both Man and Woman beat Dragon, but by Slaying and Subduing, respectively. Man Travels to Moon, while Woman Aligns with Moon.

    At least both Man and Woman Clean With Sponge.

  2. Malcolm Says:

    If this isn’t a digital game, I don’t know what is.

    Ha ha. Clever pun.

    Malcolm

  3. nick Says:

    An email came in about this, so:

    By decision theory, I’m referring to the branch of economic study that has this name, also called choice theory. Game theory (in the economic sense) can be seen as generalizing decision theory to situations in which two or more people jointly affect the outcome of a game and both care about the outcome. Game theory studies strategic action, including things like equilibrium and (in more behavioral formulations) the dynamics of learning in repeated games. Decision theory provides a basis for modeling how individuals act, whether they are opposed by opponents in a multiplayer game or just facing “nature.”

    Choice Theory: A Very Short Introduction is a useful introduction (and very short, as the title says).

Powered by WordPress