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Effects of directed migration toward a high-reputation exemplar in evolutionary games

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  • Cheng, Yue
  • Yang, Qianxi
  • Yang, Yanlong

Abstract

Migration plays an essential role in the evolution of cooperation. Previous research typically assumes that migration directions are either random or influenced by factors linked to payoff. However, to pursue profitable circumstances, individuals may be inclined to migrate toward exemplars with positive reputations, observing and learning their behavioral strategies. This paper proposes a directed migration model toward a high-reputation exemplar. In this model, the migration probability of individuals is negatively correlated with the average reputation of their neighbors within the current environment. Individuals probabilistically select an exemplar based on reputation weights and then migrate toward the chosen exemplar. Simulation results show that, compared to random migration, migrating toward a high-reputation exemplar significantly improves the population’s cooperation level and effectively resists temptations to defect.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng, Yue & Yang, Qianxi & Yang, Yanlong, 2026. "Effects of directed migration toward a high-reputation exemplar in evolutionary games," Applied Mathematics and Computation, Elsevier, vol. 520(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:apmaco:v:520:y:2026:i:c:s0096300326000044
    DOI: 10.1016/j.amc.2026.129952
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    References listed on IDEAS

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