Game Theory: Building From Scratch

About the Book

This book provides a direct, practical path to understanding and implementing game theory principles for creating intelligent game mechanics. It is engineered for builders, coders, and creators who learn best by doing.


Philosophy

The core philosophy is "Constructive Learning." I believe that abstract theories become concrete and intuitive only when they are used to build a tangible system. Instead of asking you to memorize formulas, this book asks you to write functions. Every theoretical concept is introduced as a solution to a practical programming challenge, ensuring that you understand not only what a concept is but why it is useful and how to implement it.


Key Features

1. Strictly Practical: Over 80% of the content is focused on implementation, code, practical examples, and case studies.
2. Beginner-Friendly: Algorithms and code are simplified to their core logic, making them accessible to students with basic programming knowledge.
3. Globally Relevant Syllabus: The topics covered, from Minimax to Nash Equilibrium, are standard in computer science and AI curricula worldwide.
4. Structured Chapter Design: Every chapter consistently explores concepts through their design, architecture, implementation, and application.
5. Complete Capstone Project: Chapter 10 provides a complete, step-by-step guide to building a working strategy game, including all source code and detailed explanations.
6. Real-World Examples: Concepts are illustrated using popular games like Tic-Tac-Toe, Rock-Paper-Scissors, and resource management simulations.


To Whom This Book Is For

1. B.Tech/M.Tech Computer Science Students: Serves as a practical companion to theoretical coursework in AI, algorithms, and software engineering.
2. Aspiring Game Developers: Provides the foundational skills to create intelligent, non-player characters (NPCs) and challenging game logic.
3. High School Students and Hobbyists: Offers a clear and accessible entry point into the worlds of programming, AI, and strategic thinking.
4. Software Developers: For professionals looking to explore AI/ML concepts through the intuitive and engaging lens of game theory.
5. Educators and Instructors: A valuable resource for designing courses and projects that require a practical, hands-on approach to teaching abstract concepts.