The guys who did Black and White
are writing a game engine to model social processes, with fascinating results:
The first simulation Lionhead Studios put together was based in a bar, because in bars many different social processes can overlap. The results were unexpected. "We had two groups of hard guys. When the two groups were not holding status competitions between themselves, they picked on other characters. But then they ended up in a massive brawl as they picked on each other in an effort to increase their status, trying to impress each other."
Basically they're trying to create a digital model of learning social norms, and the consequences that result when the norms are violated. Very cool.
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