An artificial life simulation exploring emergent behavior, evolutionary game theory, and network effects.
Colored particle species interact via a payoff matrix. Each cell defines how one species is attracted to (+) or repelled by (-) another. From these simple rules, particles self-organize into complex lifelike structures.
When enabled, interactions exchange energy. A particle's energy depends on how other species treat it (the column values in the matrix). High energy triggers reproduction (the particle splits). Zero energy means death. Species that thrive in their ecological niche grow; poor strategies go extinct. This is evolutionary game theory in action.
Particles near same-species neighbors get a force multiplier proportional to log(cluster size) — Metcalfe's Law. This creates positive feedback loops: larger groups become stronger, attracting more members. But overconcentration can also be a liability if a predator species is nearby.
When Bonds are enabled, particles that stay close together for several frames form persistent connections (shown as faint lines). Bonds give clusters structural memory — they hold multi-species groups together. Connected clusters of 2+ species are counted as organisms in the stats bar. Try the Organism Presets to see layered, cell-like structures emerge.
Try enabling Evolution with the Game Theory presets -- watch species populations rise and fall in real time on the population chart.
Built by Barger Dev