The Ultimatum Game in complex networks

Abstract

We address the problem of how cooperative (altruistic-like) behavior arises in natural and social systems by analyzing an ultimatum game in complex networks. Specifically, three types of players are considered: (a) empathetic, whose aspiration level and offer are equal, (b) pragmatic, who do not distinguish between the different roles and aim to obtain the same benefit, and (c) agents whose aspiration level and offer are independent. We analyze the asymptotic behavior of pure populations on different topologies using two kinds of strategic update rules. Natural selection, which relies on replicator dynamics, and Social Penalty, inspired in the Bak-Sneppen dynamics, in which players are subjected to a social selection rule penalizing not only the less fitted individuals, but also their first neighbors. We discuss the emergence of fairness in the different settings and network topologies.