The 'Infinite Games' of Research, Policy and Collaboration

Nina and James’s Different Approaches to Games

Nina enjoys finite games, like football and cricket, where there are clear rules, goals, and a winner. The excitement comes from trying to win and reaching the finish line.

Mandeep, on the other hand, likes infinite games, like Minecraft, where the goal isn’t to finish, but to keep playing, growing, and exploring. The fun for James is in creativity and working with others to build something new, with no fixed end or winner.

The goal isn't to "win," but to keep learning, growing, and making a positive difference.

The Concept of Infinite Games in Real Life

Infinite games aren’t just for video games—they also show up in real-life problems, like in scientific research or making policies to improve the world.

This is especially true for wicked problems, like climate change or poverty, which are complicated and always changing. These problems are connected to many others, and a change in one area can affect others too.

Researchers, policymakers, and people from many sectors—like business, education, and communities—must work together to solve these big issues. Collaboration helps create better solutions and lasting impact.

Both Approaches Have Their Place

Neither approach is wrong—each one has its time.

Finite games are great for clear goals with a set end, like football, cricket, or even creating a one-time product. They’re perfect when you need to focus on a short-term goal and reach it.

But in complex areas like research, social change, and making policies, the infinite approach works better. These areas are constantly changing, interlinked with other problems, and need ongoing learning, collaboration, and innovation to solve.

With the infinite approach, we keep growing, adapting, and working together to create real, lasting change.

The Concept of Infinite Games in Real Life

Infinite games aren’t just for video games—they also show up in real-life problems, like in scientific research or making policies to improve the world. The goal isn't to "win," but to keep learning, growing, and making a positive difference.

This is especially true wicked problems, like climate change or poverty, which are complicated and always changing. These problems are connected to many others, and a change in one area can affect others too. Researchers, policymakers, and people from many sectors—like business, education, and communities—must work together to solve these big issues. Collaboration helps create better solutions and lasting impact.

Infinite Games: Collaboration and Impact

In infinite games, success isn’t about finishing or winning—it’s about working together, learning, and innovating to make a positive change. I

n real-life problems, like research and policy, the goal is to keep moving forward, adapting to new challenges, and improving things for everyone.

The real impact comes from the process itself—making the world better bit by bit, with each step bringing new opportunities for growth and change.