I’m pretty sure you probably don’t even realise how many of your daily gaming interactions—from loot box drops to a slot spin—actually rely on this vital technology! As an expert in the industry, I’ve seen first-hand how RNGs have changed the game, so let me share my insights with you so you can begin to appreciate the humble RNG!
What do I Mean By RNG?
As their name very much suggests, RNGs are virtual tools that can be used to generate a completely random number—over and over again.
This makes them a pretty important tool for gaming and gambling, as it ensures repeated events remain independent and random. For example, it means that each time you roll a dice, you have the same chance of landing on a lucky six as the last time you rolled.
I often hear players say that—since they’ve been on a losing streak—their luck is set to turn. RNGs are the reason why this actually isn’t the case at all; they mean that past losses or wins don’t at all influence future outcomes.
The Different Types of RNG
There are three distinguishable types of RNGs: a true random number generator (TRNG), a pseudo random number generator (PRNG), and a cryptographic random number generator (CRNG).
The first is a physical device that creates a completely random result by using unpredictable external variables—like atmospheric pressure. As algorithms can never truly be random, TRNGs are the gold standard when it comes to unpredictability. They’re used in industries where randomness is equated with security—making it vitally important—such as in finance!
PRNGs are more commonly used in iGaming and gaming; they use software algorithms to produce as close to random results as possible. There’s no need for external variables, as all a PRNG requires is a seed number to set the range of possible outcomes that can be produced. CRNGs are often used in video gaming (and crypto, as the name suggests); they produce random numbers by using both algorithms and external inputs and are the most secure option, with operations that can’t be tampered with!
How do RNGs Work in Slots?
As online casinos and slots continue to become more and more popular, it’s absolutely essential that players know they can trust that results are fair, which is where RNGs come in. Slots in particular have become the most popular online casino game in the UK, as they’re a lower budget option (spins can start from as low as 10p) with a wide variety of choice.
What does all this have to do with RNGs, I hear you ask? Well, online slots completely rely on them to make sure the results of each of the spins are truly random. Every time I spin a slot, a random number is generated that corresponds to the positions the symbols will fall in. Not only are results random, but they’re also rapid, with the potential for thousands of numbers to be generated each second.
What do Developers Do With RNGs?
Each slot is attributed a return to player (RTP) percentage that indicates how much the player is expected to see returned as they play over time—they’re usually around 92 to 96%, with the higher options being some of my personal favourites as they indicate greater returns!
Providers set their RNGs’ algorithms to help them maintain the game’s RTP level and determine when wins will be triggered. They also help decide when things like random symbols, multipliers, and other special features appear—making them an absolutely vital part of a slot developer’s arsenal.
Regulating Randomness
As I mentioned earlier, one of the most important roles of an RNG is to reassure players that each online result is truly random. That’s why reputable platforms will have their generators tested and verified by independent bodies.
You’ve probably heard of some of the verification agencies, like eCOGRA and iTech Labs, it’s their job to ensure users have a fair and smooth experience. They do this through regular assessments and continuous monitoring that looks at security, player protection, and whether they’re treated justly. If a casino meets the high standards, they’re awarded the ‘Safe and Fair’ seal, which I always tend to look out for in the banner of a casino!
Changing the (Video) Game!
As I briefly referenced earlier, the use of RNGs isn’t just limited to the online gambling industry, and they play a crucial role in video games, determining loot drops and the actions of the enemies you face.
Without RNGs, the video games we know and love wouldn’t be the same—they help ensure play is exciting and unpredictable. After all, it would be no fun if you knew where your enemies were in each round of Call of Duty, or you kept getting the same items in Mario Kart! In a world without RNGs, it’s unlikely that our favourite games would be at all replayable or entertaining enough to keep us coming back for more.
Determining Rarity
I’m sure we’ve all hankered after an elusive loot box in one of our favourite games, from the limited edition skins in Overwatch to the infamous cloth masks in PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. Although it can be frustrating to try and track these items down, I think we can all agree that the hunt is usually enjoyable in the end (unless you never find the item of course!). Random number generators are behind the thrill of finding a rare item—using their algorithms to indicate their lower chance of being selected.
Fighting Your Battles
RNGs are also used to determine the outcome of events—like when you encounter an enemy in games like Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade. In this iconic game, the seed number is generated by the movement of the character; horizontal movement produces a seed between 0–49 and vertical between 50–99.
When an enemy attacks the player, the game takes an average of the numbers produced by their movements to determine their hit rate! If the player’s average hit rate is lower than that of the enemy, the attack is successful—and vice versa, of course! When they’re attacked again, the hit rate will be generated by the next two numbers in the sequence, and this continues with the player’s stats levelling up as they gain experience.
A Careful Balance
If you’ve ever been frustrated by never finding that prized item, you’ll understand that RNGs used incorrectly can be a hindrance. It can also be frustrating if the seed numbers are too big of a range—to me, it’s especially annoying in terms of a character’s stats, as the chances of levelling up are too slim. It’s important that developers carefully balance the number of RNGs in a game, so players don’t feel that it’s completely down to chance.
How Important are RNGs to Gaming?
Whether you’re a slot fiend or a video game fan, you probably owe more than you realise to random number generators! They’re the unsung heroes of both industries—helping to ensure that results and loot drops are truly random and unpredictable. Without RNGs, we’d know what was going to happen next on each run through of our favourite games, or which corners enemies would be hiding behind.
Providers have to strike a careful balance between randomness and skill, though; you only have to take a quick trip to Reddit to see players complaining that it’s impossible to overcome a specific enemy in Fire Emblem or lamenting that they’ll never get the exclusive skins on Overwatch. While random number generators help ensure we keep coming back for more of the games and slots we hold dear, an overreliance can drive players away. I think it’s clear that both industries walk a very fine tightrope to implement this vital tool only where and when it’s needed!
Miona Ludoski has been involved in the iGaming industry since 2022 and has quickly become one of the industry’s most trusted voices. She has a particular interest in slots, and players can enjoy the first-hand insights that come from her frequent playing. Miona believes there’s always more to learn, so she makes sure to stay on top of the latest industry trends through continual reading!
