The Trust Game
The Trust Game is an interactive walkthrough of game theory — specifically why trust between strangers forms, collapses, and sometimes rebuilds. Rather than explaining the prisoner's dilemma, it makes you play it repeatedly against opponents with different strategies, and then shows you what happens when populations of those strategies compete over generations. It takes about thirty minutes and it is closer to a playable essay than to an arcade game. This is 'The Evolution of Trust' by Nicky Case (2017), released into the public domain under CC0 and hosted here unmodified. Free, no download, no signup.
The Trust Game is an interactive walkthrough of game theory — specifically why trust between strangers forms, collapses, and sometimes rebuilds. Rather than explaining the prisoner's dilemma, it makes you play it repeatedly against opponents with different strategies, and then shows you what happens when populations of those strategies compete over generations. It takes about thirty minutes and it is closer to a playable essay than to an arcade game. This is 'The Evolution of Trust' by Nicky Case (2017), released into the public domain under CC0 and hosted here unmodified. Free, no download, no signup.
🪙 Coin System
• 1 coin per game session
• New players get 80 free coins
• Sign in to save progress and earn achievements
Controls
Desktop: Use keyboard arrows/WASD and mouse to play.
Mobile: Tap and swipe. Use fullscreen for best experience.
About The Trust Game
The Trust Game is an interactive walkthrough of game theory — specifically why trust between strangers forms, collapses, and sometimes rebuilds. Rather than explaining the prisoner's dilemma, it makes you play it repeatedly against opponents with different strategies, and then shows you what happens when populations of those strategies compete over generations. It takes about thirty minutes and it is closer to a playable essay than to an arcade game. This is 'The Evolution of Trust' by Nicky Case (2017), released into the public domain under CC0 and hosted here unmodified. Free, no download, no signup.
How to Play The Trust Game
1. Click the play button above to start the game.
2. Use the on-screen controls or your keyboard/mouse to interact.
3. Follow the in-game instructions for objectives and scoring.
4. Use the fullscreen button for the best gaming experience on any device.
Tips & Tricks
• Play in fullscreen mode for better visibility and control.
• On mobile, rotate your device to landscape for wider gameplay.
• Practice the early levels to build muscle memory before advancing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who made The Trust Game?▾
It is 'The Evolution of Trust' by Nicky Case, published in 2017 and released under CC0 (public domain). It is hosted here unmodified and credited to its author.
How long does it take?▾
About thirty minutes. It is a guided sequence rather than an endless game.
What is it actually about?▾
Why trust between strangers forms and breaks down. You play repeated rounds against different strategies, then watch populations of those strategies compete over generations.
Do I need to know game theory?▾
No. It teaches the prisoner's dilemma by making you play it, and introduces each idea as it becomes relevant.
Is it a game or a lesson?▾
Both — it is usually described as a playable essay. You reach conclusions by playing rather than by being told them.
Is The Trust Game free?▾
Yes. It is public-domain work, free to play in the browser with no download and no signup.
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