Truthfulness and approximation with value-maximizing bidders

Salman Fadaei, Martin Bichler

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

In many markets bidders want to maximize value rather than payoff. This is different to the quasi-linear utility functions, and leads to different strategies and outcomes. We refer to bidders who maximize value as value bidders. While simple single-object auction formats are truthful for value bidders, standard multi-object auction formats allow for manipulation. It is straightforward to show that there cannot be a truthful and revenue-maximizing deterministic auction mechanism with value bidders and general valuations. Using approximation as a means to achieve truthfulness, we study truthful approximation mechanisms for value bidders. We show that the approximation ratio that can be achieved with a deterministic and truthful approximation mechanism with n bidders and m items cannot be higher than 1/n for general valuations. For randomized approximation mechanisms there is a framework with a ratio of O(√m/ϵ3) with probability at least 1 − ϵ, for 0 < ϵ < 1.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAlgorithmic Game Theory - 9th International Symposium, SAGT 2016, Proceedings
EditorsMartin Gairing, Rahul Savani
PublisherSpringer Verlag
Pages235-246
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9783662533536
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
Event9th International Symposium on Algorithmic Game Theory, SAGT 2016 - Liverpool, United Kingdom
Duration: 19 Sep 201621 Sep 2016

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume9928 LNCS
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Conference

Conference9th International Symposium on Algorithmic Game Theory, SAGT 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityLiverpool
Period19/09/1621/09/16

Keywords

  • Approximation mechanisms
  • Revenue
  • Truthfulness
  • Value bidders

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