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Regularized Bayesian best response learning in finite games

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  • Mukherjee, Sayan
  • Roy, Souvik

Abstract

We introduce the notion of regularized Bayesian best response (RBBR) learning dynamic in heterogeneous population games. We obtain such a dynamic via perturbation by an arbitrary lower semicontinuous, strongly convex regularizer in Bayesian population games with finitely many strategies. We provide a sufficient condition for the existence of rest points of the RBBR learning dynamic, and hence the existence of regularized Bayesian equilibrium in Bayesian population games. These equilibria are shown to approximate the Bayesian equilibria of the game for vanishingly small regularizations. We also explore the fundamental properties of the RBBR learning dynamic, which includes the existence of unique solutions from arbitrary initial conditions, as well as the continuity of the solution trajectories thus obtained with respect to the initial conditions. Finally, as applications to the above theory, we introduce the notions of Bayesian potential and Bayesian negative semidefinite games and provide convergence results for such games.

Suggested Citation

  • Mukherjee, Sayan & Roy, Souvik, 2025. "Regularized Bayesian best response learning in finite games," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 1-31.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:gamebe:v:149:y:2025:i:c:p:1-31
    DOI: 10.1016/j.geb.2024.11.005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Regularizer; Bayesian strategies; Regularized Bayesian best response learning; Bayesian potential games; Bayesian negative semidefinite games;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C61 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Optimization Techniques; Programming Models; Dynamic Analysis
    • C62 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Existence and Stability Conditions of Equilibrium
    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games

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