Understanding RNG in Video Games: A Deep Dive into Randomness and Its Impact

Random Number Generators (RNG) play a pivotal role in the world of video games, influencing everything from loot drops to the very fabric of procedural generation. Whether you are facing a menacing boss, discovering hidden treasure chests, or exploring procedurally generated worlds, RNG ensures that your gaming experience remains unpredictable and engaging.

What is RNG?

RNG stands for Random Number Generator, which is a system that introduces elements of unpredictability into video games. Unlike deterministic systems, RNG relies on probabilities and chance to determine outcomes. This randomness can manifest in many forms, from loot drops and enemy behaviors to procedural generation and combat outcomes.

Loot Drops: The Heart of RNG

In games like The Division 2, World of Warcraft, and countless others, RNG is the backbone of the loot system. When you defeat an enemy or open a chest, RNG determines what items or resources you receive. This unpredictability keeps players invested and ensures that no two playthroughs are alike.

Enemy Behavior and RNG

Randomness through RNG can also influence how enemies behave in combat. Instead of facing identical encounters every time, players encounter a variety of enemy behavior patterns. This dynamic nature of encounters makes the game feel less scripted and more engaging. Tests of skill and timing are more impactful because success or failure can be a matter of chance.

Procedural Generation with RNG

Many games use RNG to generate levels, environments, or entire worlds. Procedural generation allows each player to experience a unique world, enhancing replayability and engagement. From the level design in Minecraft to the endless variety of planets in No Man's Sky, RNG ensures that the player never sees exactly the same world twice.

Combat Outcomes and RNG

In combat, RNG affects various elements such as hit chances, critical hits, and damage rolls. This introduces unpredictability in how battles unfold, making every encounter feel fresh and dynamic. While this unpredictability adds depth to gameplay, it can also lead to moments of frustration when outcomes feel too random or unfair.

Personal Experience with RNG

As a player, I have seen firsthand the impact of RNG, although not always in a positive light. For example, in World of Warcraft, I was an undead warlock who struggled to get an armor set while another player in the same guild had their complete set. Despite the time and effort invested, RNG often dictated outcomes that players like myself could not control. Similarly, in The Division 2, achieving specific rare items like the Momento backpack required not just skill but also a bit of luck. Despite dedicating over a year to the game, I still do not have the Eagle Bearer, Ravenous, or Regulus exotics.

The Problem with Crafting in RNG-Driven Games

My biggest complaint with games that rely heavily on RNG, especially in crafting, is the lack of control. While I understand the need for randomness in certain aspects, crafting should provide players with the freedom to create items precisely as they envision. When crafting, what I want is the ability to modify an item and have choices in each slot, rather than rely on random outcomes.

When I modify my car, I don’t get some random results. I choose the parts I need, install them, and tune the car properly to achieve the desired results. Similarly, crafting and modifying items in games should follow a similar approach, allowing players to build and refine items according to their preferences. RNG in crafting can lead to frustration and a sense of unfairness, as players feel they are at the whim of unpredictable outcomes.

Conclusion

RNG in video games adds depth and excitement to the player experience, but it can also be a source of frustration. Striking a balance between unpredictability and player control is key to creating a game that is both engaging and fair. Whether you love or hate RNG, there is no denying its significant impact on the world of video games.