Best Game Theory Books of 2025

Math Games with Bad Drawings: 75 1/4 Simple, Challenging, Go-Anywhere Games―And Why They Matter is an interactive collection of mathematical games created by Ben Orlin. With over 70 games, this ultimate game chest is designed to be fun, easy to play, and thought-provoking. Readers can enjoy hours of fun and challenge with just paper, pens, and the occasional handful of coins. Orlin's sly humor, expansive knowledge, and so-bad-they're-good drawings show how simple rules summon our best thinking. This book is a delightful way to teach abstract concepts in a playful way.

The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek is a must-read for anyone looking for a bold new approach to business strategy. Sinek asks a fundamental question: are you playing the finite game or the infinite game? He uses game theory to explore how successful businesses achieve long-lasting success. Sinek finds that playing the infinite game, building long-term value, and healthy, enduring growth is the only thing that matters to your business. This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their business strategy and achieve long-lasting success.

The Art of Strategy: A Game Theorist's Guide to Success in Business and Life is a book that offers practical insights into game theory, which involves rigorous strategic thinking. The authors use case studies from different fields to show how game theory is relevant to almost every business and personal interaction. The book is authored by Avinash K. Dixit, a leading economist, and Barry J. Nalebuff, a professor at Yale School of Management and co-founder of Honest Tea. This book is an excellent guide for anyone interested in mastering game theory and improving their chances of success in life.

The 10th-anniversary edition of "Theory of Fun for Game Design" by Raph Koster explores the essential elements of modern video games and their similarities with traditional games. The author delves into the concept of fun and why it is crucial in any game. Koster examines why some games become boring quickly, while others remain fun for years and how games are fundamental and powerful learning tools. This illustrated edition is an excellent resource for game developers, dedicated gamers, and curious observers who want to understand what drives this major cultural force. Overall, the book is a must-read for anyone interested in game design and the psychology of fun.

The Theory of Games and Economic Behavior is a groundbreaking book by John von Neumann and Oskar Morgenstern, which introduced game theory as a scientific inquiry into economic and social organization. This book has revolutionized economics and has been widely used to analyze real-world phenomena. It covers a wide range of topics, from arms races to major league baseball salary negotiations. It is a must-read for anyone interested in business mathematics and game theory.

"A Beautiful Mind" is a captivating biography written by Sylvia Nasar about the life of John Nash, a mathematical genius who suffered from severe mental illness and schizophrenia but eventually won the Nobel Prize. The book delves into Nash's struggles with his illness and his eventual triumph over adversity with the help of a supportive community and the love of a beautiful woman. Nasar's writing is superb, making the book an eminently fascinating and deeply moving read. This book is a unique and inspiring story of the power of the human mind and the healing power of love.

Game Theory 101: The Complete Textbook is a comprehensive guide that introduces strategic form and extensive form games. The book is designed to teach the game theoretical tools needed to solve games of increasing complexity. It is a quick and efficient read that is perfect for those interested in introductory game theory, intermediate microeconomics, and political science. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in game theory and its applications. It is highly recommended for those who want to learn the fundamentals of game theory in a straightforward and engaging manner.

The Evolution of Cooperation by Robert Axelrod is a thought-provoking and insightful book that explores how cooperation can emerge in a world of self-seeking egoists. Axelrod's research reveals that cooperation, not unfettered competition, is our best chance for survival. The book provides a fascinating introduction to the theory of cooperation and is written in a clear, informal style that makes it a joy to read. It is a vital book for leaders and decision-makers, providing practical insights into everything from military strategy to political elections and family dynamics. Overall, this revised edition is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how cooperation can lead to success in all areas of life.

This Sudoku book is perfect for adults who love to challenge their problem-solving skills. The book features 720 engaging puzzles suitable for all ages, with two distinct levels of difficulty: 360 Medium and 360 Hard. The book also comes with a free Sudoku mastery guide and provides solutions to all puzzles at the end of the book. The large pages of 8.5 in x 11 in make it easy to play in comfort, with six puzzles per page. This book is an excellent gift for loved ones or a treat for oneself, providing hours of mental stimulation and entertainment.

Ex Machina by John H. Miller explores the origins of social behavior through the lens of adaptive, interacting, choice-making agents. Combining concepts from biology, computation, game theory, and the social sciences, Miller evolves a set of interacting automata from asocial to social behavior. This book provides a methodology for exploring systems of adaptive agents and identifying conditions sufficient for the emergence of social behavior. It's a unique and insightful read for those interested in game theory and the origins of social behavior.