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| BPM = 74
| versions =Zero-Sum<br>Zero-Sum (Instrumental)<br>Zero-Sum: Stephen Morris & Gillian Gilbert<br>Zero-Sum (''Fringe'')
| live = [[NIN songs never played live|Unperformed ]] in full}}'''"Zero-Sum"''' is the sixteenth and final track on the 2007 release ''[[Year Zero]].'' The song uses what seems to be a slowed-down version of the drum pattern from "[[God Given]]".
In game theory and economic theory, zero-sum describes a situation in which a participant's gain or loss is exactly balanced by the losses or gains of the other participant(s). It is so named because when the total gains of the participants are added up, and the total losses are subtracted, they will sum to zero. The strategy game Go is an example of a zero-sum game.
==Versions==
===Zero-Sum===
This is the original album version. It consists of [[Trent Reznor]]'s signature piano playing on a grand piano, glitch-like programmed beats, and vocals pushed to the back of the mix. The vocals alternate between Reznor delivering vocals reminiscent of dialog samples and distant, harmonized singing. The song uses a drum pattern very similar to that of "[[God Given]]", though it is slowed down dramatically. These beats are [[samples|sampled]] from ''Atom Heart's Rather Interesting World Of Digital Drums'' sample library by Atomizer™.
===Zero-Sum (Instrumental)===
'''''Running Time: 6:29'''''
This unmastered vocal-less mix was released by Reznor through his [[remix.nin.com]] account.
===Zero-Sum: Stephen Morris & Gillian Gilbert===
'''''Running Time: 5:38'''''
This remix appears on ''Y34RZ3R0R3M1X3D.'' It begins with a basic melody and beat before the vocals come in. A synth comes in over the vocals, riding over them like a wave. The melody changes as the verse transitions over to the first chorus. After the chorus, many elements drop out as it builds to the second verse. Many sound elements from the first verse returned but are now joined by a hi-hat and drum beat. After the second chorus repeats, the melody heard at the very beginning returns accompanied by the hi-hat and drum percussion. These sounds drop out at the end save for a synth beat that simply fades quickly.
====Song Credits====
*Remix by [[Joy Division|Stephen Morris & Gillian Gilbert]]
===Zero-Sum (''Fringe'')===
==Live==
"Zero-Sum" was played in part during the [[Lights In The Sky Tour]] in 2008. During the extended ending of "[[In This Twilight]]," Reznor performs the chorus melody and accompaniment of "Zero-Sum" on piano as the band members exit one by one. This song [[NIN songs never played live|was never played in its entirety]].
==Lyrics==
How we could justify it all
And we knew better
In our hearts , we knew better
And we told ourselves it didn't matter
And we chose to continue
==External Links==
* [http://hollywoodinsider.ew.com/2009/10/22/trent-reznor-fringe-exclusive/ Reznor adds voice, revamped NIN song to 'Fringe' promo]
*[https://archive.org/details/remix-nin-com-audio-00098 "Zero-Sum" (Instrumental) at archive.org]
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