Traveling-salesman game with multiple competitors/cooperators and simultaneous move search algorithm

In this paper, we present a traveling-salesman type game in which several players travel around various objects distributed in a given area and compete with each other in collecting the objects. Similar competitions can be widely found in the real world such as in selling competition, in the competitive gathering of scraps, wastes, seafood or wild foods, etc. Hence the game will be a typical subject in computer science. In this game, players move simultaneously and the number of players can be more than two. In addition, there is a possibility that some players cooperate with each other and compete against the other players. We present a novel search algorithm suitable for the game in which a move toward an object along the shortest path is taken as the basic move, and the move is stopped halfway when opponents have the advantage. In the algorithm, the moves of the players can be dealt with quasi-alternately. However, a player can make several consecutive moves, and a move already made can be aborted. A game program is developed and competitions are held among computers or between a computer and a human being. It is confirmed that the algorithm can be effectively applied to the game.