What is the Future for RNGs in Video Gaming?

Random number generators (RNGs) have long been the unsung heroes behind the scenes of gaming experiences on and offline. Silently and randomly determining in-game outcomes, not to mention loot drops and a myriad of other in-game events. RNGs are the backbone of fluid and fair gameplay in the 21st century.

As technology advances and gamer demands evolve, the future of RNGs in video gaming promises a paradigm shift which could add even more layers of immersion to player experiences.

It’s not just console and PC gaming where RNGs play such an integral role in game outcomes. They’re also relied upon to deliver fair and transparent results at online poker rooms. The leading online poker rooms are powered by fully decentralized RNGs which are programmed to generate 100% random outcomes for every deal, flop, turn and river. In New Jersey, currently America’s biggest market for online poker, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement runs periodic tests on the performance of each operator’s RNGs. This gives peace of mind to those who enjoy online poker in NJ, preventing anyone from being able to rig or exploit the system.

Looking more specifically at the performance of RNGs in video gaming, how do experts expect these algorithms will be utilized by game developers in the years ahead?

Enhanced realism for in-game environments

Future RNGs will be designed for integration into dynamic and authentic gaming environments. Today’s RNGs generate outcomes based on predetermined algorithms, but the next generation of RNGs will be more dynamic, and capable of adapting to in-game scenarios. Thus ensuring a more immersive gaming environment.

Imagine a role-playing open-world game where gamer decisions and moves influence the RNG to make every single playthrough a unique experience. This innovation has the potential to heighten the playability of video games, keeping gamers engaged and challenged for much, much longer.

RNGs and Procedural Content Generation

RNGs are set to deliver powerful partnerships with Procedural Content Generation (PCG) too. PCG is based on algorithm-powered game content. These algorithms, combined with next-generation RNGs, could dynamically generate all kinds of in-game experiences, whether it’s new missions, quests, or entire open worlds.

Adaptive gameplay with AI-driven RNGs

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the face of all manner of sectors and gaming is no exception. Embedding AI into RNG systems will also have the potential to create dynamic and adaptive gameplay that’s fully responsive to gamers’ behaviors and preferences. The AI will help RNGs to learn and adapt to individual playing styles and adjust everything from difficulty levels and enemy behaviors to loot drops to deliver gameplay that feels challenging but is never too samey.

It’s clear that RNGs still have a powerful purpose in today’s gaming worlds and they’ll play an even more integral role in shaping future gaming worlds. Gaming environments are sure to be more personal and dynamic than ever before. With the Esports industry growing at pace, video game developers will still lean heavily on RNGs to deliver the immersion the next generation of gamers are guaranteed to crave.