articleCommunications PhysicsFeb 11, 2026GOLD OA

Effects of stochastic games on evolutionary dynamics in structured populations

YZYuji ZhangMFMinyu FengQLQin LiMPMatjaz PercASAttila Szolnoki

Southwest University · Kyung Hee University · +4 more institutions

Indexed inarxivcrossrefdoaj

Abstract

Continuously changing environments have a paramount role in the evolution of cooperative behavior. Previous works have shown that the transitions among different games, as the feedback between behaviors and environments, can promote cooperative behavior significantly. Quantitative analysis, however, is limited to homogeneous populations, while realistic populations in nature are often more complex and highly heterogeneous. We hereby provide an analytical treatment of when the evolution of cooperation can be supported in stochastic games, applying to arbitrary spatial heterogeneity and payoff structure. We highlight that the rule and frequency of game changes can have surprisingly diverse effects on…

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5
total citations
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187.24
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100%
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65
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5

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Stochastic game
  • Evolutionary dynamics
  • Public goods game
  • Evolutionary game theory
  • Public good
  • Population
  • Homogeneous
  • Stochastic dynamics
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