If you were in gaming spaces, you are probably already familiar with the RNG abbreviation. RNG, or random number generators, is an extremely widespread mechanic that is used in many different ways. This mechanic is used in things like lootboxes, gacha games and online pokies – basically anywhere, where the element of luck is needed. However, there are huge differences in how RNG is utilised in all of these cases. So, let’s explore this aspect of gaming, which many seem to overlook.
RNG: Understanding The Basics
As it is easy to guess from the name, Random number generators… generate random numbers. The combination of numbers that are generated is then used to produce a certain result for an event, be it a spin on the slot machine or a character banner pull in a gacha game. This guarantees that the results that the player receives are completely up to pure luck.
Or at least that’s the claim. The simplest RNGs do work in unpredictable, completely random ways. And while this may work for pure luck-based games, like classic slots, the same mechanic just wouldn’t cut it in a lootbox or a gacha game. So, to say that RNG makes the game completely random is a lie. Luck, of course, plays a large part in what result you’re about to get, but there are caveats in everything.
RNG in Pokies: The Inner Workings
Behind the flashy animations and pretty graphics, lies a program that makes it all possible. Pokies are no different from any other program on your computer – if you strip it off the casing, there are just numbers left behind. RNGs in pokies work non-stop, generating numbers as long as you’re connected to the game, only stopping when you click “spin”. You see, every symbol on your screen has a specific number or a string of numbers attached to it and when this number is generated, the symbol will appear on your screen. Overall, there are approximately up to 4 billion combinations an RNG machine can produce, so getting the winning combination of any kind is a real test of luck.
Fraudulent casinos and how to avoid being scammed
The algorithm behind the RNGs in pokies is incredibly complex for a regular person to comprehend, but a professional will have no problem interfering with them. As we mentioned above, there are numbers attached to each symbol, however, different symbols have different frequencies, with which they appear. Scatters, wilds and other bonuses appear less frequently than regular game symbols. The frequency can be changed manually for every slot, making it easier or harder for a player to get a winning combination. This is often abused by different casino websites to make the odds better for them.
That of course raises the question of avoiding these types of casinos. But how? Players can’t look into the RNGs themselves! Well, rest assured, there are specific testing laboratories that do this for you. To check if the casino is safe to play at, simply scroll down to the very bottom of the website and usually, you will see a few plaques, signifying the companies the casino works with. If a testing lab is amongst them – you’re safe to go!
Loot Boxes in Games and Why Their Popularity Decreased
Loot boxes and slots, surprisingly, have very similar RNG mechanics behind them. Except, in loot boxes, the numbers are attached to actual in-game items you can get from opening a box. Again, not all items have the same drop rate as others. The better the item in some capacity – the less the drop rate.
Unfortunately, the gaming community have recently turned against loot boxes in games for several reasons:
Pay to win. In many games, lootboxes are available to buy with real-life money, offering items that far surpass the ones you can get for free. This in turn makes it impossible for regular players to compete.
Gambling Addiction for Kids. Several studies were released to the public, linking gambling addiction to loot boxes, especially in children, who are yet to learn safe gaming practices.
Black Market. Yep! That’s right. In many games where you can get customization items and skins from the loot boxes, said skins later became a virtual currency and were traded for real-world funds.
The introduction of loot boxes in multiplayer games, while controversial, isn’t inherently bad. However, the risks that the game’s community faces after the introduction of this mechanic are complex. This in turn made the game developers slowly stop using loot boxes as much as before and implement stricter guidelines behind the item trade and real-world funds usage.
Gacha Gaming
The term “gacha” is derived from the Japanese word Gashapon, which are vending machines that dispense random toys in capsules. The popularity of gashapons came from the fact that the toys inside of them had different levels of rarity and had toys intended for collecting. Today’s gacha gaming has adopted a similar gimmick. In loot boxes, you only can get random items, but in gacha games, you can also get characters to play with, each with their unique helpful features. While the system in Gacha games still uses RNG to determine the character drop, the drop system there is way more complex, with multiple banners with different characters and attributes. Here’s a table, describing one of the most popular gacha models in modern gaming:
| Type of Event | 10 rolls | 90 rolls | Re-rolls |
| Limited time Character Event | Guarantees a limited event 4-star character | Guarantees a 5-star character, either from the current event or permanent event | If a 5-star character from a permanent event is received, it gives a 100% guarantee to get a limited event character in the next 90 rolls |
| Limited time Weapon Event | Guarantees a limited event 4-star weapon | Guarantees a 5-star weapon, either from the current event or permanent event | If a 5-star weapon from a permanent event is received, it gives a 100% guarantee to get a limited event weapon in the next 90 rolls |
| Permanent Character Event | Guarantees 4-star characters or weapons from previous events | Guarantees a 5-star character or weapon from a limited fixed pool | Not included |
Additionally to the table above, gacha gaming also has an element of “soft pity”, which describes the fact that after a certain amount of rolls (usually 70 to 80), your chance of getting a 5-star item or character is increased. gacha gaming is currently the most nuanced system, using RNG technology in gaming. Unfortunately, it faces the very same criticism as lootboxes, but so far it doesn’t seem to stop developers from utilizing it.
Conclusion: The Future of RNG in Gaming
Random Number Generators are the backbone of many video game mechanics. We have only touched the surface of its implementation in games. In reality, it’s almost impossible to include all of the different ways RNGs are used in games. From mini-games to gameplay centred fully around luck – RNG found its way into every aspect of gaming. Our personal opinion is that RNGs have a huge road ahead of them. The ways to utilize random mechanics are nearly endless and are still being explored. RNGs are not gonna leave our computer screens for a while.
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