title: Life games and statistical models.
abstract: A set of equations is obtained, which describes the rules of a class of games (life games). These games simulate the processes of growth, death, survival, and competition. The equations are nonlinear difference equations, where the degree of nonlinearity is directly related to the number of interacting neighbors. The time evolution and the development of geometric patterns can be studied starting from these equations. Extensions and generalizations, such as the introduction of stochastic elements, can easily be accommodated in the formalism. Some significant unsolved problems are noted.
mesh_terms: D005075:Biological Evolution; D001723:Birth Rate; D003163:Competitive Behavior; D006128:Growth; D008954:Models, Biological; D009026:Mortality; D013223:Statistics as Topic