Convergent Evolution in Ludic Systems
Distinguish strictly between historical influence (A inspired B) and structural similarity (A resembles B). Study how designers independently invented identical mathematical state machines across centuries.
Circular Action Selection (The Rondel)
8-wedge circular wheel where moving 1-3 spaces is free, but skipping beyond costs 2 million per extra wedge.
Sowing seeds sequentially along a closed loop of pits with capture conditions on final drops.
Variable distance forward track where staying behind grants extra actions while jumping ahead claims priority.
All three utilize a 1D modulo arithmetic closed loop ($x \pmod N$) where temporal opportunity cost is expressed as spatial distance.
Equivalent to convergent hydrodynamic body shapes in sharks and dolphins (analogous spatial state manifolds).