Update rules, reciprocity and weak selection in evolutionary spatial games

Abstract

Cooperation in nature is a complex topic and its study has left scientists with many open questions. Over the past two decades research has been undertaken into how cooperation works in an evolutionary context and how we can emulate it for social analysis. Numerous computer models have been developed and analyzed, with many models formulated as spatial or network games. These games use various update rules to evolve cooperative strategies. Despite two decades of effort, arguably little progress has been made. This paper exposes some of the problems with these spatial and network games and shows why they are ill-suited to get any real answers. Recommendations on future research directions that might provide some insight are presented.