Ender’s Game: Laser Tag Simulation

Abstract

We explore statistical advantages in specialized laser tag based on the game played in Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game. The game takes place between two teams in which a player is disabled when they are struck by all remaining players on the opposing team. Each team has a distinct number of players, and all players on a team are assumed to be equally likely to strike a target. A computer simulation models the game using different initial parameters, such as hit accuracy (specified as a probability), size of each team, and target selection strategy. Using these simulations we examine factors that could give one team an advantage. Such factors include smaller number of players, higher accuracy, and more strategic targeting. Faculty Advisers: John Holliday and Dianna Spence