Understanding RNG in Video Games

In the iGaming industry, ensuring fairness, unpredictability, and integrity is paramount. A key player in achieving this balance is the Random Number Generator (RNG). It is a fundamental technology that guarantees that every outcome in your games will be random, unbiased, and transparent.

Whether you’re offering slots, table games, or virtual sports, RNGs are the driving force behind the unpredictable results that players love.

But what exactly is RNG, and why is it so critical to the success of your platform? In this article, we’ll break down the RNG meaning in gaming. We’ll explore its role in maintaining player engagement and fairness and discuss how it’s used in popular games.

What Is an RNG in Online Gambling?

An RNG is a complex algorithm designed to produce sequences of numbers without any predictable pattern, effectively creating randomness. In online casinos, RNGs determine outcomes for games like slots, poker, and roulette.

By ensuring each spin, deal, or roll is independent of previous results, RNGs give every player an equal chance of winning, which is vital for maintaining trust in your gaming platform.

This trust becomes even more important in fast-growing regions like Latin America, where the online gambling market is expected to grow from $2.5 billion in 2024 to nearly $12 billion by 2028. As new operators enter the space, having a fair and certified RNG system in place helps you stand out and meet rising expectations around transparency.

The Role of RNG in Game Fairness

A strong RNG system is essential for fair gaming. Take slot games, for example; the RNG continuously generates random numbers, even when the game isn’t being played. When a player hits the spin button, the RNG selects a number that corresponds to a specific reel combination. It makes sure each spin is entirely random and unaffected by earlier spins. This randomness is key to providing a fair experience and building player confidence.

How RNG Works in Video Games?

In video games, RNG creates variety by generating numbers that decide what happens next. It helps games feel unpredictable. Whether players are opening a loot box, facing off against an enemy, or rolling a dice in a strategy game, RNG is what determines the result.

You can use algorithms called pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs), which take a starting value (called a seed) and produce a sequence of numbers that appear random. The game then ties these numbers to outcomes. For example, if a sword has a 20 percent drop rate, the game checks the number generated by the RNG and drops the sword only if the number falls within a certain range.

This randomness helps break repetition. Without RNG, every playthrough would feel the same. Instead, RNG makes things like damage ranges, enemy behavior, item generation, and world-building feel different each time you play.

Applications of RNG in Video Games

RNG plays a big role in shaping player experience across different types of games. It controls outcomes that aren’t fixed, making each session feel fresh and unpredictable. Whether it’s what loot they find, how enemies behave, or how the world is built, RNG adds variety and keeps players guessing. Below are some of the most common applications of RNG in games:

Loot drops: RPGs and shooters often use RNG to decide what loot players get from enemies or crates. Games like Diablo, Destiny, and Borderlands rely heavily on this system.
Combat mechanics: In games like Pokémon or Final Fantasy, RNG determines whether an attack hits, whether it lands critically, or whether a move causes a status effect.
Procedural generation: Games like Minecraft or No Man’s Sky use RNG to build entire worlds. Every seed creates a new map layout with different terrain, caves, and structures.
Character abilities: In some games, skills or spells have a chance to activate special effects. RNG handles whether that bonus kicks in.
Events and encounters: Roguelike and survival games often use RNG to decide what enemies appear, when players face them, and what resources are nearby.

The goal is to keep gameplay interesting, with new surprises in each session. When done right, RNG can keep players engaged longer by offering variety.

RNG in Different Gaming Genres

RNG is baked into the core mechanics of all kinds of games. Each genre uses it differently based on what kind of experience it’s trying to deliver. In some games, it adds unpredictability to combat. In others, it helps build new environments or keeps things from getting repetitive. Let’s look at how it is used in different gaming genres:

RPGs: Role-playing games lean heavily on RNG. It influences damage ranges, attack success, loot quality, and even dialogue outcomes in some titles.
Strategy games: RNG affects things like attack success rates, random events, and terrain generation. In games like XCOM, RNG determines whether players’ shots hit, despite high accuracy percentages.
First-person shooters: While FPS games are often skill-based, RNG can still appear in bullet spread, recoil patterns, weapon drops, and loot boxes.
Simulation and sandbox games: Games like The Sims or Minecraft use RNG to generate new environments and simulate unpredictable outcomes like random mood swings or weather.
Card games and roguelikes: These genres rely on RNG to shuffle decks, deal cards, and determine dungeon layouts. Games like Slay the Spire are built almost entirely around RNG elements.

Each genre uses RNG in its own way to balance skill with chance and to add more replay value to the experience.

Types of RNGs Used in Online Gambling

Not all random number generators work the same way. In online gambling, the type of RNG used can affect how randomness is created and managed behind the scenes. Understanding the difference helps you see how outcomes are determined and why certain systems are favored in the industry. Let’s break down the two main types used in gambling platforms today.

True Random Number Generators (TRNGs): These use physical phenomena, like electronic noise, to generate random numbers. While they offer high randomness levels, TRNGs need specialized hardware and are less common in online gaming due to their complexity and cost.
Pseudo-Random Number Generators (PRNGs): More commonly used in online casinos, PRNGs rely on mathematical algorithms to create sequences that appear random. Even though they’re deterministic, PRNGs are preferred for their efficiency and ease of use.

In regions like Eastern Europe, where the online casino market is projected to grow at an annual rate (CAGR) of 1.92% from 2025 to 2029, PRNG-based platforms dominate due to their scalability and ease of integration with various game formats.

Pros and Cons of RNG in Game Design

Whether RNG adds thrill or feels unfair depends on how it’s built into the design. Players want variety, but they also want control. When RNG is balanced right, it adds tension, surprise, and replay value. When it’s overdone or unclear, it can feel like the game is working against the player. Here’s a look at where RNG shines and where it can fall short.

Pros

Keeps games fresh: RNG makes each playthrough or match feel different, especially in games with procedural generation or loot systems.
Builds excitement: Unpredictable outcomes create suspense. You never know if the next box holds a rare item or not.
Adds risk and reward: Games often make you decide whether to gamble on uncertain outcomes, which can make decisions more interesting.

Cons

Can feel unfair: If a game relies too much on chance, it can feel like your skill doesn’t matter. For example, missing multiple 90 percent shots in a row can be frustrating.
Leads to confusion: When RNG is not transparent, players might not understand why they failed, especially in games that do not show hit chances or drop rates.
Encourages grind: Games with random loot sometimes force players to replay content over and over to get a desired item.

Good design keeps randomness in check by giving you tools to reduce risk or predict outcomes, like reroll systems or visible probabilities.

Player Perception and Interaction with RNG

How players view RNG usually depends on how clearly the game shows it and how much control they feel they have. When players understand the odds, even a bad outcome feels more acceptable. However, when results seem unpredictable and have no explanation, it can feel unfair.

In competitive games, transparency is key. Players expect fair systems and want to know the rules behind the randomness. Games that hide drop rates or use RNG to decide critical actions without warning often frustrate their player base.

You can also include “pity systems,” especially in mobile and gacha games. These guarantee a reward after a certain number of failed attempts, helping ease the sting of repeated bad luck.

Clear communication and balance between randomness and skill go a long way in keeping players engaged and satisfied.

Ensuring Fairness and Credibility

Since RNGs determine game outcomes, they need to be reliable, unbiased, and secure. To prove this, gambling platforms turn to third-party testing labs that specialize in auditing RNG systems.

These independent organizations run detailed evaluations to confirm that the RNG is truly random and meets strict regulatory standards. Here are some of the most trusted names in the industry:

eCOGRA (eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance): Established in 2003, eCOGRA is a London-based testing agency and standards organization that certifies online gaming software and audits information security management systems. Their certification is a hallmark of fair and responsible gaming practices.
iTech Labs: With over 20 years of experience, iTech Labs is a Russian-headquartered organization that tests and certifies online gaming systems, ensuring they meet industry standards for randomness and fairness.
Gaming Labs International (GLI): Founded in the United States, GLI has over 30 years of experience providing testing and certification services for the gaming industry across multiple continents.

In the Philippines, for example, the regulatory body PAGCOR requires gaming operators to have their RNGs certified by recognized gaming labs. This standard helps maintain integrity in the local gaming industry, which was estimated to generate over 350 billion pesos (roughly $6 billion) in 2024 alone.

Impact of RNG on Player Trust and Retention

A well-implemented RNG not only meets regulatory standards but also boosts player trust. When players believe your games are fair, they’re more likely to keep playing and recommend your platform to others. On the other hand, any perception of unfairness can damage your credibility and lead to players leaving. Being transparent about your RNG processes and certifications can greatly enhance your platform’s reputation.

This is especially critical in markets like Turkey, where strict laws limit gambling, and only state-sanctioned platforms are allowed. Even so, the local online gambling sector is still projected to grow at a 9% CAGR through 2028, making it even more important for you to prove fairness and compliance. A certified RNG system is one of the most effective ways to earn trust in such high-risk environments.

Summing Up

Integrating a reliable and thoroughly tested RNG is fundamental to the success of your online gambling platform. It ensures game fairness, meets regulatory requirements, and fosters player trust. By prioritizing the integrity of your RNG systems and obtaining the necessary certifications, you position your platform as a trustworthy and enjoyable destination for online gaming enthusiasts.

Ready to take your online gambling platform to the next level? Let’s work together to create a seamless and trusted gaming experience that keeps players coming back. At Source Code Lab, we’ve got the experience, tools, and support to make it happen. Reach out today and see how we can bring your vision to life!