Social Choice

The Social Choice Theory in Game Design

Author: Kenneth Arrow, Amartya Sen

Hey everyone! Have you ever wondered how decisions are made in games, especially multiplayer ones? Well, there’s a fascinating concept called Social Choice theory put forth by scholars like Kenneth Arrow and Amartya Sen that sheds light on this aspect of game design. Let’s dive in and explore what this theory is all about.

Description

Social Choice theory deals with the problem of aggregating individual preferences to arrive at a collective decision that is fair and satisfactory to all involved parties. In the context of game design, this theory is particularly relevant when designing multiplayer or social games, where the actions and decisions of one player can impact others.

Kenneth Arrow, a Nobel laureate economist, proposed the Arrow’s Impossibility Theorem, which states that no voting system can consistently represent the preferences of a group of individuals in a fair and consistent manner. On the other hand, Amartya Sen, another eminent economist and philosopher, focused on the concept of social welfare and the importance of considering different perspectives and priorities in decision-making.

Conclusion of this Theory

In essence, Social Choice theory highlights the complexity of decision-making in social contexts and the challenges of designing games that cater to diverse player preferences and interests. It underscores the need for game designers to consider not only the individual player experience but also the overall dynamics and interactions within the game environment.

Implications to RPG Designers

Balancing Individual and Group Goals

In RPGs, designers must strike a balance between individual player agency and the overall narrative or group objectives. For example, in a cooperative RPG like Dungeons & Dragons, the game master (GM) must ensure that each player’s actions contribute to the group’s success while allowing for individual character development.

Managing Conflict and Competition

Games like The Resistance involve hidden agendas and player deception, requiring designers to create mechanisms that prevent one player from dominating the game while maintaining a sense of competition and intrigue.

Facilitating Communication and Cooperation

In multiplayer RPGs such as World of Warcraft, effective communication tools and cooperative gameplay mechanics are essential to foster teamwork and collaboration among players tackling challenging quests or raids.

Providing Player Choice and Agency

Choice-driven RPGs like The Witcher 3 offer players meaningful decisions that impact the game world and narrative, requiring designers to account for diverse player preferences and moral quandaries.

By taking cues from Social Choice theory, RPG designers can create engaging and inclusive game experiences that cater to a variety of player preferences and playstyles.

So, next time you dive into a multiplayer game or embark on an epic RPG adventure, remember the intricate web of decisions and interactions influenced by the Social Choice theory in game design. Happy gaming! 🎮