Random Number Generators (RNGs) are computer programming algorithms and tools that create random and unpredictable numbers. Games, including video games and casino games, use RNGs. Some gamers call “RNG” the good luck number. In today’s article, we will answer what RNG is in gaming, how it works, and what games have these algorithms. Read on!
What Games Use RNG Algorithms?
| Game Type | Uses RNGs for |
| Roguelike Games | Level layouts, item placement |
| MMORPGs | Item rewards, character abilities, critical hits |
| Collectible Card Games (CCGs) | The order cards are dealt |
| Role-playing games (RPGs) | Attack success, character attributes |
| First-Person Shooters (FPS) | Bullet accuracy, weapon recoil |
| Casinos | Slot machine results, card shuffling, roulette outcomes |
| eSports | FIFA, DOTA-2, League of Legends, etc. |
Randomness in games is very important, especially in collectible card games (CCGs), Roguelikes (for generating random item locations), RGPs (random target hits), and casino games (random numbers for fair play).
Most companies use pseudo-random number generators in games where they choose a seed number as an input for the RNG algorithm. For instance, credible platforms like Dancebet have casino games developed with RNGs to ensure 100% randomness, unpredictability, and fairness.
Thus, this provides players with satisfactory experiences whether they play online slots, table games, or participate in live casino tournaments.
How Does the RNG Algorithm Work?
Video games discreetly use RNGs all the time, even though players rarely notice. These RNGs work like a behind-the-scenes dice roll, determining many aspects of gameplay.
Instead of pre-programming every detail, developers use RNGs to create variety. For example, an RNG decides what treasure a defeated monster drops or the type of unexpected event the player encounters. Even the weather might be determined by a random number.
In open-world games, RNGs are especially helpful. They let developers create a huge world without manually designing every road, tree, and landscape. The game uses an RNG to decide what the player finds in a specific area: will it be a bear, a group of wolves, or a band of thieves?
Not only do RNG algorithms are used in iGaming, but they are also used in the newly added category of popular eSports like FIFA, Virtual Tennis, Dota-2, Call of Duty, and others to provide fair opportunities for gamers.
Are RNG-Based Outcomes in Games 100% Unpredictable?
RNGs have become an important technology in games. They usually need a starting point called a seed. For example, this seed may be the current time or your mouse movements, which could determine the entire sequence of random numbers.
Different seeds generate different number sequences, and the RNG uses mathematical formulas to turn that seed into a stream of random numbers. The more complex these math formulas are, the better the randomness. RNGs usually refresh their seed with new data to keep the numbers unpredictable.
Thus, this prevents pattern development and ensures the numbers are truly random. Various international-level organizations test RNGs to ensure gaming enthusiasts can play games with fair outcomes and have entertainment.
Some credible organizations are eCOGRA, Gaming Labs International, iTech Labs, and Test-Tech Labs. These companies use advanced techniques to assess RNGs, ensuring they generate genuinely random results.
RNG Algorithms in Games – The Good and Bad
RNGs are essential to many video games, injecting unpredictability and keeping gameplay exciting. Imagine if every Minecraft world was identical, or every item drop in Diablo was the same, so games would quickly become boring.
RNG adds variety, preventing repetition and maintaining player interest. However, competitive gamers often criticize RNG, arguing it overshadows skill. That is not a frivolous complaint; in esports, where skill is very important, relying heavily on chance is frustrating.
RNG seed is important and varies greatly depending on the game and its programming. Instead of a single, obvious source, the seed often originates from the game’s internal workings.
It might be derived from the game’s frame rate, the system’s internal clock, a previously generated random number, or even the state of the computer’s RAM at a specific moment.
While these starting points are often predictable, game developers strive to create the “impression” of randomness, masking the underlying deterministic nature of the seed.
Final Words About RNG in Gaming
Modern technologies drive the future of iGaming, and RNGs play the most important role in fairness of games. RNGs are important for games to create random events and outcomes. However, there is a debate around the 100% genuineness of RNGs in games, especially in casinos and eSports. That’s why third-party organizations test these algorithms and verify their true randomness before licensing an iGaming platform.