Here's my list of Perl evolutionary algorithm resources (which I also maintain on my homenode) that might give you some ideas about implementation. I hope there are no dead links!

Articles:

• A Beginning Guide To Evolutionary Algorithms by yours truly.
• Genetic algorithms applied with Perl, from IBM's "Cultured Perl" column
• Evolutionary computation in Perl and some YAPC presentation slides from the author of Algorithm::Evolutionary
• Online lecture notes: Optimization & Modelling With Artificial Life, by Dan Ashlock (my old professor)

Misc:

• Genetic Programming or breeding Perls
• Looking for help with AI::Genetic and classroom scheduling

Perl frameworks:

• Algorithm::Evolve, by me! Flexible enough for lots of experimenting, but not comprehensive.
• Algorithm::Evolutionary probably most complete (and complex).
• AI::Genetic also looks like a good choice, though I haven't looked at it throroughly.

I can say a few things about Algorithm::Evolve (not because it's necessarily the best thing out there, but because I wrote it so I know exactly what it is and isn't capable of). It comes with a few examples in the distribution's examples directory. I don't know how close the examples are to what you had in mind -- there is at least a rock-paper-scissors strategy evolver (very very basic). Another thing I can highlight is that Ashlock's lecture notes cover some competitive game evolutions (you suggested that the evolving critters should compete against each other). One in particular is called Sunburn, where you evolve little spaceships that get into battles and use their weapons, shields & thrusters. The rules are very simple and I always thought it wouldn't be hard to implement in one of the Perl frameworks...

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