Quantum Games and Quantum Computers

Takeshi Kawakami

Panagiotis Vlachos, Ioannis G. Karafyllidis

Laura J. Piispanen

Abstract This article provides an overview of existing quantum physics-related games, referred to as quantum games, that serve citizen science research in quantum physics. Additionally, we explore the connection between citizen science and quantum computer games, games played on quantum computers. The information presented is derived from academic references and supplemented by diverse sources, including social media publications, conference presentations and blog posts from research groups and developers associated with the presented games. We observe that the current landscape of quantum games is shaped by three distinct driving forces: the serious application of games, the evolution of quantum computers and open game development events such as Quantum Game Jams. Notably, citizen science plays an influential role in all three aspects. The article points to existing design guides for citizen science quantum games and views future prospects of citizen science projects and quantum games through collaborative endeavours, human–machine collaboration and open access quantum computers.

Hong Mei Guo, Juheng Zhang, Gary J. Kœhler

Laura J. Piispanen, Marcel Pfaffhauser, James R. Wootton +2 more

In this research article, we survey existing quantum physics-related games and, based on this survey, propose a definition for the concept of quantum games. We define a quantum game as any type of rule-based game that either employs the principles of quantum physics or references quantum phenomena or the theory of quantum physics through any of three proposed dimensions: the perceivable dimension of quantum physics, the dimension of quantum technologies, and the dimension of scientific purposes, such as citizen science or education. We also discuss the concept of quantum computer games, which are games on quantum computers, as well as definitions for the concept of science games. Various games explore quantum physics and quantum computing through digital, analogue, and hybrid means, with various incentives driving their development. As interest in games as educational tools for supporting quantum literacy grows, understanding the diverse landscape of quantum games becomes increasingly important. We propose that the three dimensions of quantum games identified in this article be used for designing, analysing, and defining the phenomenon of quantum games.

James R. Wootton