Game Theory : An Introduction

This book provides a direct and practical pathway into the world of game theory, specifically tailored for application in game design and artificial intelligence development. It demystifies a powerful academic subject and transforms it into an accessible, hands-on tool for creators.


Philosophy

The guiding philosophy of this book is "Application over Abstraction." I believe that theoretical knowledge becomes truly valuable when it can be used to build something tangible. Every concept introduced is framed around a central question: "How can I use this to make a game's AI smarter?" I strip away the non-essential mathematical formalism and focus on the strategic logic, the algorithmic thinking, and the direct implementation of game theory principles into code. The objective is not to produce theoreticians, but to cultivate skilled programmers and designers who can build intelligent systems.



Key Features

1. Beginner-Friendly: Written in simple, clear language, making it accessible even to high school students with basic programming knowledge.
2. Strictly Practical: Focuses on algorithms and implementation for game AI, minimizing dense mathematical theory.
3. Project-Based Learning: A complete DIY capstone project in the final chapter guides you through building a full game AI from scratch.
4. Globally Relevant: The content is designed to align with computer science syllabi at universities worldwide, covering fundamental concepts required for AI and game development courses.
5. Real-World Case Studies: Includes examples from classic board games, video games, and strategic scenarios to show game theory in action.
6. Complete Coverage: Each topic discusses the necessary design considerations, architectural models, implementation details, and future scope.


To Whom This Book Is For

1. B.Tech/M.Tech Computer Science Students: An ideal supplementary or primary text for courses in Artificial Intelligence, Game Development, and Algorithm Design.
2. Aspiring Game Developers: Anyone who wants to move beyond simple scripted events and create genuinely intelligent, challenging opponents for their games.
3. High School Students: Ambitious students with an interest in programming, AI, and game design will find the content accessible and highly engaging.
4. Software Developers and Hobbyists: Professionals looking to expand their skillset into AI or developers who want to apply more formal strategic logic to their personal projects.