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Adaptive migration guided by reputation-pheromone dynamics in spatial games

Author

Listed:
  • Sun, Xingping
  • Feng, Kaiyu
  • Kang, Hongwei
  • Shen, Yong
  • Chen, Qingyi

Abstract

An adaptive migration model founded on a reputation-pheromone system is presented to analyze the evolution of cooperation. The system translates an individual’s cooperative history into a shared environmental memory. Pheromone release, diffusion, and decay shape an information landscape that guides agent mobility. Simulation results link pheromone dynamics, individual decision-making, and population density. A reliable signaling environment, produced by moderate pheromone decay and diffusion, is essential for stable cooperation. The superior migration strategy proves contingent on the information environment’s character. A balanced exploration-exploitation approach excels where environmental memory is persistent. A decisive, exploitation-focused strategy is required where signals are ephemeral, allowing agents to capture transient opportunities. Robust cooperation does not arise from a single, universally optimal strategy. It is an emergent property of the synergistic coupling between individual decisions and environmental modification, offering new insight into self-organization through adaptive movement.

Suggested Citation

  • Sun, Xingping & Feng, Kaiyu & Kang, Hongwei & Shen, Yong & Chen, Qingyi, 2026. "Adaptive migration guided by reputation-pheromone dynamics in spatial games," Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, Elsevier, vol. 202(P1).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:chsofr:v:202:y:2026:i:p1:s0960077925014535
    DOI: 10.1016/j.chaos.2025.117440
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    References listed on IDEAS

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