Applying Game Theory to Splitsvilla on MTV

Posted on July 20, 2008. Filed under: game theory, opinions | Tags: game theory, MTV, Roadies, Splitsvilla |

Applying Game Theory to Splitsvilla on MTV

 

Some of you may have seen the last episode of Spitsvilla. I normally enjoy seeing Roadies and similar games and try and apply Game Theory there.

 

The week Anne was brought back. I had predicted that she will be brought back when see was unceremoniously sent back, as I thought the game was not fare to her. She was back and she was told the new rules of the game, that is only one between Varun and Vishal will be winning.

 

Anne liked Vishal, but she feared getting eliminated by Varun. Here is the tradeoff matrix. Anne assumed Vishal will not dump her at any cost.

 

Varun

A’s payoff, V’s Payoff	Dump	Keep
Dump	0,1	1,-1
Keep	-1,1	1,0

                                               

                                                                        Anne   

                                               

 

Anne assumed Vishal is part of her side, and played the game with Varun. She sang a song for him. But have a look at the above payoffs.

 

Assumption : Anne singing a song for a person – sign of her keeping that person.

 

a. Anne sings for Vishal, Varun Dumps her – Varun gains

b. Anne Sings for Vishal, Varun keeps her – Varun screwd

c. Anne sings for Varun, Varun dumps her – Varun gains

d. Anne sings for Varun, Varun keeps her – result unknown, Varun may or may not get her.

 

In anycase, the dumping Anne is the compelling strategy for Varun. By doing this, Anne lost Vishal as well, which I thought was stupid of both Vishal and Anne. As always, the result of this game is a sub-optimal solution.

 

Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )