Game-Theoretic Discovery of Quantum Error-Correcting Codes Through Nash Equilibria

Abstract: Quantum error correction code discovery has relied on algebraic constructions with predetermined structure or computational brute-force search lacking mechanistic interpretability. We introduce a game-theoretic framework that recasts code optimization as strategic interactions between competing objectives, where Nash equilibria systematically generate codes with desired properties. Applied to graph state stabilizer codes, the framework discovers codes across six distinct objectives -- distance maximization, hardware adaptation, rate-distance optimization, cluster-state generation, surface-like topologies, and connectivity enhancement -- through objective reconfiguration rather than algorithm redesign. Game dynamics spontaneously generate a $[![15,7,3]!]$ code with bipartite cluster-state structure enabling measurement-based quantum computation while maintaining distance $d=3$, achieving 40\% overhead reduction versus surface codes at equivalent distance. Equilibrium analysis provides transparent mechanistic insights connecting strategic topology to code parameters, opening research avenues at the intersection of game theory, optimization, and quantum information.