Definition ∞ A multi-stage game model represents a strategic interaction where players make decisions sequentially over several distinct time periods or stages. The outcome of decisions in earlier stages can influence the available actions and payoffs in subsequent stages. This model is essential for analyzing dynamic interactions and the impact of past choices on future strategic considerations.
Context ∞ In the analysis of blockchain governance, protocol upgrades, and economic interactions within decentralized finance, multi-stage game models are utilized to understand how participants’ actions evolve over time. These models help predict long-term stability, identify potential vulnerabilities, and design mechanisms that encourage cooperative behavior across successive interactions. Their application provides a deeper understanding of the temporal dynamics in decentralized ecosystems.