Game Theory-Like Situations in The Walking Dead

Subject: Sciences
Pages: 2
Words: 401
Reading time:
2 min

The principles of game theory can be observed in the daily life of every person. It is present because the given concept covers the intricacies of choices and anticipatory moves of numerous interactive units. There were various situations in my life where I had to make choices pursuing my interests. However, when applying the knowledge of game theory, it is clear that the most optimal option can be derived by cooperating with the opposing subject. For instance, my friend and I had a dilemma of getting a taxi after a movie session. The cab could only take one more person because others were already in it. Therefore, the players were my friend and me, and the preferences were reducing the payment and convenience. The payoff was the long ride alongside entertaining people, whereas another person would have a lonely journey. The outcome was that we decided to select the most optimal choice of getting a taxi together. Therefore, we reduced the overall cost of a ride, and no one had to have a lonely journey.

Although the demonstrated personal situation was simple and harmless, the main character of the Walking Dead game, Lee Everett, had to make difficult choices. The main storyline revolves around Lee’s redemption arc, where he is given an opportunity to start over. In table below, the conceptual knowledge of game theory can be applied to the scene where Lee encounters Clementine for the first time. Although the game did not give a choice of not looking after the girl, the main character selects an option of burdening himself. The preference would be to increase Lee’s chance of survival; however, the payoff of taking care of Clementine is a moral one. The given course of action is an essential part of his redemption for his past crimes. The table below illustrates the Nash equilibrium within the context of game theory. The players are Lee and Clementine, and the possible actions are leaving or helping each other. Both have survival as preferences because it is a basic instinct.

Action Lee: Help Clementine Lee: Leave Clementine
Clementine: Help Lee Lee’s redemption starts, and Clementine is protected. Clementine dies, and Lee does not get his redemption
Clementine: Leave Lee Both might not survive No moral redemption and surviving