The Importance of Random Number Generators in Gaming

Unexpected twists and a certain level of randomness make gaming more exciting, and developers make it all happen with the help of Random Number Generators (RNG). RNG technology enables gamers to have the kind of new gaming experiences they crave so much. On the other hand, it also plays a role in game fairness. In this article, we’ll be delving deeper into Random Number Generators, showcasing some specific examples and titles and revealing the significance they play in today’s gaming.

What Exactly Are Random Number Generators?

Random number generators are algorithms or hardware devices designed to produce a series of arbitrary numbers. Typically, the quality of RNG is measured by the ability to create random and unpredictable sequences. In gaming, it draws a line between any player’s skill level and random chance. It can be seen as a digital dice roll that brings random outcomes, keeping the gameplay exciting and fresh, and ensuring that the playing field is level.

The History of RNG

The first random number generator was created by the RAND Corporation – a company that used the technology to complete the book titled ‘A Million Random Digits with 100,000 Normal Deviates’. Initially, the solution was only used by researchers, scientists and mathematicians, but soon enough, it saw application in the gaming industry.

Today, many online and offline game categories use RNG to create entirely random outcomes. Also, video game developers utilise it to create open-world games with constant unpredictability, without having to write specific code for each section.

Examples of RNG in Gaming

The best way to understand the use of RNG in gaming is to go over a few specific examples taken from different genres and titles:

Dota 2

Dota 2 is a great example of a game featuring certain RNG elements applied sparingly, that minimally affect a given match. Here, RNG determines each character’s accuracy, damage spread, miss chance, neutral spawns, rune spawns, the amount of treasure/items received from the last attack, and much more. Thanks to that, each game of Dota 2 showcases a dose of freshness and dynamism, without affecting the ‘luck’ behind player performance. However, some characters in the game are dominated by RNG, and this phenomenon has seen severe criticism from certain players.

Pokémon

In Pokémon, RNG is spread out throughout the game in many different ways. First, you can see it in the way players catch Pokémon. In every area where they can be found, you can usually encounter two or more Pokémon. So if there are two of them in the area, each of them has a 50% chance of appearing, which is a clear example of RNG. Next, once you find a Pokémon, know that its unique characteristics, the level it appears at, its gender, and much more, are all determined by RNG. Therefore, finding a particular and special Pokémon with specific traits might take a lot of time and dedication. When it comes to battling, moves like Moonblast and Earth Power bring a 10% chance of lowering the performance of your opponent, so in case you get access to them, it might increase your odds of winning.

Online Casino Games

Today’s online casino games have been refined by various tech developments, enabling players to enjoy innovative live dealer games and other advanced options that weren’t available until fairly recently. However, virtual casinos are also focused on fairness, so all the most popular games of chance cannot even function without random number generators. The importance of RNG is best seen in virtual slots where outcomes are always determined by RNG, and that is why each spin you make is entirely random.

Hearthstone

In Hearthstone, the use of RNG is quite simple – it enables you to draw a new hand every time while adding more unpredictability through different cards like Arcane Missiles, Totemic Call, and Cleave. Without random number generators, players would always draw the same cards in practically the same order. So thanks to RNG, everyone can enjoy a unique game session whenever they launch the game. However, some players are actually frustrated by the effect of RNG on the outcomes, claiming that their effort and skill are often undermined by sheer luck.

Main Uses of RNG in Video Games

Now it’s time to dive into the main reasons why game developers use random number generators:

Keeping the Gameplay Fresh

Random number generators enable the developers to introduce unpredictable occurrences in the worlds and environments they create. These can be anything from enemy spawns to bullet hits, as long as they prevent the game from becoming monotonous to the end user. What’s more, such elements spike curiosity and the desire for both risk and reward.

Increased Replayability

Content provided by random numbers can also be used to create various maps and levels. As a result, players get to explore new environments each time they launch the game, which significantly boosts their sense of discovery. Also, the game poses a challenge, as the levels become more difficult to beat. In other words, it becomes harder for users to find predictable patterns, giving the games more potential for replays. One of the best examples of this strategy is Spelunky – a game with randomly generated levels, randomly populated enemies, and randomly selected tiles.

Simulations and Realism

Random numbers also have a role in the introduction of subtle variations in velocities, forces, and trajectories of movements and collisions, all for the purpose of making them look more natural. This technique is especially important for the simulation of complex systems such as fluid dynamics. Additionally, it comes in handy when it comes to generating environmental effects like different weather conditions and natural phenomena. The environment in such games feels more realistic and immersive. Finally, randomness also has the power to modify the decision-making process of game characters, thus enriching them with human-like behaviour. Reacting to changing circumstances and choosing between multiple options are some of the features that contribute to this effect.

Can You Outsmart Random Number Generators?

It is possible for players to achieve an unfair advantage in games through a malicious act called RNG manipulation. So even though it is frowned upon, especially in competitive settings, some gamers are able to exploit RNG algorithms used in single-player games. By analyzing and studying the formulas and limitations of the system in place, some users manage to potentially manipulate RNG for better odds. Of course, this depends largely on the complexity of the random number generators. Simple systems with more predictable “seeds” are much easier to exploit than advanced algorithms. Needless to say, game developers keep fine-tuning the tech to make it harder for anyone to crack and abuse.

Random number generators have a huge role in today’s world of gaming. In fact, they affect many different aspects of game development, making the end products more exciting, appealing, and most importantly – fair and unpredictable. RNGs are used in almost all game categories, and since the technology is constantly evolving, their complexity and unpredictability can only continue to influence the industry’s ongoing output.