As an essential characteristic of the smart grid

energy demand users are being transformed from passive roles to active decision-makers. To analyze their decision-making behaviors

game theory has been widely applied on the demand side. This paper focuses on the classification and in-depth analysis of recent studies that propose game-theoretic approaches for decision optimization of multiple demand users. This analysis classifies scenarios into various game participant categories

including distributed energy prosumers

small- and middle-sized users

and large energy consumers. The in-depth analysis of each scenario

covering non-cooperative game

cooperative game

Stackelberg game

Bayesian game

and evolutionary game

is conducted by analyzing market operation mechanisms

model assumptions/formulations

and solution methods. Based on a comprehensive review of such studies

it is concluded that game-theoretic applications on the demand side can benefit both the grid and the users

e.g.

reductions in the peak-to-average ratios and energy costs of the users. The prospects for the applications of game theory on the demand side are discussed

including application scenarios and methodologies. The overview presented in this paper is expected to support researchers in comprehending typical game-theoretic concepts

keeping with the latest research developments

and identifying new and innovative applications for the energy demand side.