Reverse Game Theory

Game Theory · Axiom Academy

What if we could design the rules instead of just predicting the outcomes? Drag each question to match it with the right approach: Game Theory or Mechanism Design. In game theory, you're a player. In mechanism design, you're the designer. Explore how this changes everything. Click to explore different designer goals: Many systems you interact with daily are carefully designed mechanisms. Adjust the slider to see how mechanism design principles apply. Imagine you're running a school lunch program. Design a mechanism to fairly allocate limited desserts. Choose your allocation mechanism: The Power of Reverse Game Theory Game theory helps us understand and predict. Mechanism design helps us create and optimize. Together, they form a complete toolkit for strategic thinking. Start with desired outcomes → Model player incentives → Design rules that align individual and collective goals → Test and refine → Implement Market design, voting systems, matching markets (schools, organs, jobs), resource allocation, auction design, blockchain protocols, incentive systems, and more. With great power comes great responsibility. Mechanism designers shape behavior and outcomes. Good design can create efficiency and fairness; poor design can lead to gaming, inequity, and market failure.

This is the written version of the interactive lesson above. See the full Game Theory course.