When you boot up your go-to online game, do you ever consider the engine running it? Whether it's a reel spin, an enemy spawn, or a fresh loot drop, chances are there's an algorithm behind the curtain making all the magic happen. But as much as players come into regular contact with these deployments of code, they're not exactly some simple spell that good-hearted wizards whisper into the atmosphere.
Why should casual players care what's under the hood? Because understanding what an algorithm is and how it operates can help you size up whether a particular gaming platform is fair, devise ways to outsmart its mechanics, and appreciate a bit more the digital wizardry that goes into an engaging and unpredictable gaming experience - like the algorithms that power online casino pokies or traditional video games.
What Are Algorithms in Online Gaming?
In computer science, an algorithm is a sequence of steps performed to accomplish a specific goal. Essentially, it's a recipe: follow directions, and you end up with a particular outcome. In games, it's everything.
For instance, algorithms decide:
- What enemies appear and how they behave.
- How rewards are distributed in games like online pokies.
- Whether you face tougher challenges or easier ones based on your performance.
Learning why does matter, however, and can bring some insights - even if players only have the vaguest sense of what's happening when the game is on. This insight can range from why a seemingly random event isn't as random as it appears to more insidious applications in the world of online gambling and other pay-to-play games. To give you a sneak peek behind the metaphorical curtain of online gaming algorithms, here's your cheat sheet to what's happening in the background.
RNG: The Secret Behind Fair (and Fun) Outcomes
Random Number Generators (RNGs) are some of the most critical algorithms in gaming. They're used to introduce randomness in outcomes: spinning a wheel, flipping a coin (or a digital equivalent of one!) or dealing a hand of cards. The whole point is that nobody can predict or control the outcome - which is exactly what you want when building a game of chance.
Take online pokies, for instance: an RNG is what decides if you win that jackpot, or leave with an empty wallet. A carefully crafted RNG ensures 'fairness' in the sense that the outcomes are truly random, and everybody has an equal opportunity to win.
Here's the hitch though: all RNGs are not created equal. A service might use old, poorly designed RNGs or not use them properly at all. If left unchecked, this could result in unfair outcomes. As a player, you can protect yourself by only playing on services certified by regulators. That way, you'll know your RNGs have been vetted and are good to go.
Adaptive Algorithms: Your Gameplay, Your Way
You know those games that always somehow have exactly what you need to win? That's an adaptive algorithm at work. The algorithm watches your behaviour and adapts the game to make sure you stay having fun.
Here's how they work:
Dynamic difficulty: If the game sees that you're struggling, maybe it will make the next enemies a little bit weaker. Too easy? The game might give you more of a challenge.
Personalized rewards: The algorithm might see what kind of drops you engage with most and tailor the game to throw more at you.
If a game all of a sudden is too easy or too hard to win, it's probably the algorithm at work. Knowing this can help you adapt, take breaks when you need, and even game the system if you're a competitive player.
Spotting Fair Platforms: Why Algorithm Security Matters
Algorithms are pretty necessary to make games fun in the first place, but they must be protected. If a hacker messes with an algorithm, they could potentially ruin the game for all of its players. Think about a multiplayer game where one player is able to decide how the game will end or how they can manipulate the rules.
Current games are utilizing features similar to encryption and Blockchain to make sure that their algorithms are unhackable. When data is encrypted, it means that the information is hidden from the public so that no one is able to change it, and Blockchain allows for all processes to be shown and verified.
Here's how you can use this knowledge:
Look for platforms that mention encryption or certifications from regulators.
A website or game that looks too appealing probably has figured out a way to cheat the algorithm.
Stay informed about how the technology behind your favorite games works.
The Future of Algorithms in Gaming
Algorithms aren't just static - they're evolving alongside technology. Here's what's on the horizon:
AI in games: Video games are now able to create a more interactive and realistic experience which includes more sophisticated enemies, and even dynamic worlds.
Procedural generation: Endless levels and worlds are becoming a feature of video games with the help of algorithms, which means video games are more replayable.
Recognizing this information can lead you to a stronger disposition in and around the gaming environment. You will know what to look for in the latest and greatest releases and be able to explore the technology surrounding your favorite hobbies with more appreciation.
Winning with Knowledge
Algorithms may be invisible, but they're everywhere in any online game you've ever played; they're what keep a game fair by using RNGs, what personalizes the game by incorporating machine learning, and what keeps it safe and secure with heavy encryption and more.
Every time you spin a reel or automatically attack enemies in a video game, remember that the simple act was only made possible by some very complex technology.