Science of Board Games - Jess Fostekew, Marcus du Sautoy and Dave Neale
Jul 17, 2024
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Mathematician Marcus du Sautoy shares tips for winning at Monopoly, while games designer Dave Neale explains how games develop theory of mind. Comedian Jess Fostekew admits to becoming a ruthless gamer. Discussion on board game dynamics, strategies, historical origins, and emotional experiences during gameplay.
Board games offer a space of exploration and creativity separate from real-life consequences.
Ancient games serve as symbolic representations of navigating life's uncertainties and learning fundamental concepts through play.
Games like the Ultimatum game provide deep insights into human behavior, negotiation, and decision-making processes.
Deep dives
Analyzing the Science of Board Games
The podcast delves into the intricate world of board games, exploring the balance between luck and skill. The episode features a mathematician, a games designer, and a comedian discussing the psychological insights gained from gameplay. They share their favorite games like The Mind and Azul, highlighting the cognitive challenges and strategic elements that make these games engaging and intellectually stimulating.
Defining a Game and Play
The discussion revolves around the definition of a game, emphasizing the voluntary nature of gameplay and the importance of rules in creating a structured play environment. The panel draws on Wittgenstein's idea of language games and delves into the concept that games offer a space of exploration and creativity separate from real-life consequences, providing an escapism and sense of agency to players.
Historical Perspective on Games
The episode explores the historical origins of games, tracing back to ancient civilizations and their significance in culture. Examples of ancient games like Senate and Royal Game of Ur are discussed, highlighting how games serve as symbolic representations of navigating life's uncertainties and learning fundamental concepts through play.
Game Theory and Nobel Prizes
The podcast touches on game theory's influence, with a reference to John Nash's work on the Nash equilibrium and the Ultimatum game. It sheds light on how games like the Ultimatum game reveal insights into human behavior, negotiation, and decision-making processes. The episode showcases how simple games like these can provide deep insights into economic, social, and strategic dynamics.
The Impact of Instant Messaging on Society
The podcast briefly mentions the influence of instant messaging on modern communication dynamics, from family dramas on WhatsApp to Russian state propaganda. It hints at societal shifts influenced by technological advancements like AI and how these changes are reflected in everyday interactions and the dissemination of information.
Shopify's Support for Business Growth
In a brief advertisement segment, Shopify's role in assisting businesses at various stages of development is highlighted, emphasizing its efficiency in converting website visitors into customers. The episode promotes a trial period on Shopify to demonstrate its value in facilitating business expansion and optimizing online sales strategies.
Brian Cox and Robin Ince go past jail, climb a ladder and build a civilisation as they explore the science behind our favourite board games. Joining them in the library (or was it the conservatory?) is mathematician Marcus du Sautoy, who discusses the global history of games as well as his tips for winning at Monopoly. Joining him is games designer and play researcher Dave Neale who explains how key games are to developing a theory of mind, alongside Jessica Fostekew, comedian and gaming enthusiast who admits to becoming a more ruthless gamer as time goes by.
Producer: Melanie Brown
Exec Producer: Alexandra Feachem
BBC Studios Audio Production
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