Podcast
Questions and Answers
Risk refers to information that the player knows with an estimated chance attached, like RNG, odds, and ______.
Risk refers to information that the player knows with an estimated chance attached, like RNG, odds, and ______.
probabilities
Uncertainty arises from information that the player doesn't have or is simply ______.
Uncertainty arises from information that the player doesn't have or is simply ______.
unreliable
The feeling of randomness in a game can occur even if there is no actual ______ involved.
The feeling of randomness in a game can occur even if there is no actual ______ involved.
chance
Experiencing a mistake by your opponent, like a chance error in Chess or Checkers, showcases a player capitalizing on ______ opportunities.
Experiencing a mistake by your opponent, like a chance error in Chess or Checkers, showcases a player capitalizing on ______ opportunities.
In a game, the feeling of ______ is more important than randomness itself.
In a game, the feeling of ______ is more important than randomness itself.
Predictable outcomes are often seen as ______.
Predictable outcomes are often seen as ______.
A linear congruential generator is a type of ______ number generator.
A linear congruential generator is a type of ______ number generator.
In the linear congruential generator, the first step is to choose a nonnegative integer less than ______.
In the linear congruential generator, the first step is to choose a nonnegative integer less than ______.
In gaming, outcomes often result in winners and ______.
In gaming, outcomes often result in winners and ______.
Games like MMORPGs often reward players for meeting certain ______.
Games like MMORPGs often reward players for meeting certain ______.
Uncertainty in games is sometimes considered the very essence of ______.
Uncertainty in games is sometimes considered the very essence of ______.
Knowing who the winner will be beforehand can affect your interest in a ______.
Knowing who the winner will be beforehand can affect your interest in a ______.
The outcome of a game can often lead to competition among ______.
The outcome of a game can often lead to competition among ______.
Playing Tic-Tac-Toe will always end in a ______ if both players know what they're doing.
Playing Tic-Tac-Toe will always end in a ______ if both players know what they're doing.
A game MUST incorporate ______ rolls or random number generators to contain an element of uncertainty.
A game MUST incorporate ______ rolls or random number generators to contain an element of uncertainty.
Risk refers to a situation in which there is some uncertainty but the game's players know the nature of the ______ in advance.
Risk refers to a situation in which there is some uncertainty but the game's players know the nature of the ______ in advance.
Despite all the rules on shuffling, there are still 'better' ______ in card games like Magic: The Gathering.
Despite all the rules on shuffling, there are still 'better' ______ in card games like Magic: The Gathering.
In dice rolls, there is uncertainty but you can precisely calculate the ______ chance of the various outcomes.
In dice rolls, there is uncertainty but you can precisely calculate the ______ chance of the various outcomes.
Games like Starcraft 2 that are used for e-sports have rather ______ rules.
Games like Starcraft 2 that are used for e-sports have rather ______ rules.
100% uncertainty describes a situation in which players have no idea about the ______.
100% uncertainty describes a situation in which players have no idea about the ______.
Most multiplayer games are games of skill, not ______.
Most multiplayer games are games of skill, not ______.
Unless you know your opponent inside and out, you cannot be statistically sure of the ______.
Unless you know your opponent inside and out, you cannot be statistically sure of the ______.
Uncertainty disempowers players, as they feel they do not have full ______.
Uncertainty disempowers players, as they feel they do not have full ______.
Games of pure certainty are rare and not that ______.
Games of pure certainty are rare and not that ______.
According to Richard Epstein, there are three types of decision-outcome relationships: Uncertainty, Risk, and ______.
According to Richard Epstein, there are three types of decision-outcome relationships: Uncertainty, Risk, and ______.
Your attack is guaranteed to do damage, but will it deal ______ damage?
Your attack is guaranteed to do damage, but will it deal ______ damage?
A game that is completely certain is hardly a game at all, and definitely not much fun to ______.
A game that is completely certain is hardly a game at all, and definitely not much fun to ______.
In games, we combine all three degrees of uncertainty in a dynamic web we call ______.
In games, we combine all three degrees of uncertainty in a dynamic web we call ______.
Decisions do have results, but there’s no ______ to the decision-making involved if you already know the 'best' choice.
Decisions do have results, but there’s no ______ to the decision-making involved if you already know the 'best' choice.
Certainty equals information that the player knows are 'guaranteed' actions they can ______.
Certainty equals information that the player knows are 'guaranteed' actions they can ______.
Games of pure risk are also rare, except in ______.
Games of pure risk are also rare, except in ______.
Calling heads or tails on a ______ flip is an example of a simple random decision.
Calling heads or tails on a ______ flip is an example of a simple random decision.
Both statements about uncertainty being disempowering and allowing player impact are ______.
Both statements about uncertainty being disempowering and allowing player impact are ______.
Flashcards
Pseudo-random number generator
Pseudo-random number generator
A computer algorithm that produces a sequence of numbers that appear random but are actually generated using a deterministic formula.
Linear Congruential Generator
Linear Congruential Generator
A specific type of pseudo-random number generator that uses a simple mathematical formula to produce a sequence of numbers.
Outcome
Outcome
A measurable result of an action, event, or process.
Uncertainty in games
Uncertainty in games
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Measurable outcome
Measurable outcome
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Predictable outcome
Predictable outcome
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Competition
Competition
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Chance vs Uncertainty
Chance vs Uncertainty
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Uncertainty vs. Skill
Uncertainty vs. Skill
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Uncertainty and Player Control
Uncertainty and Player Control
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Uncertainty and Meaningful Play
Uncertainty and Meaningful Play
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Types of Decision-Outcome Relationships
Types of Decision-Outcome Relationships
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Certainty vs. Predictability
Certainty vs. Predictability
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Uncertainty-Risk Distinction
Uncertainty-Risk Distinction
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Predictability and Boredom
Predictability and Boredom
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Game and Skill Relationship
Game and Skill Relationship
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Importance of Uncertainty for Game Design
Importance of Uncertainty for Game Design
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Risk in Games
Risk in Games
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Feeling of Randomness
Feeling of Randomness
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Importance of Randomness
Importance of Randomness
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Guaranteed-Win Strategy?
Guaranteed-Win Strategy?
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Risk
Risk
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Uncertainty
Uncertainty
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100% Uncertainty
100% Uncertainty
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Pure Certainty
Pure Certainty
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Pure Risk
Pure Risk
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Games of Complexity
Games of Complexity
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Combining Uncertainty Degrees
Combining Uncertainty Degrees
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The Nature of Uncertainty
The Nature of Uncertainty
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Pure Uncertainty in Games
Pure Uncertainty in Games
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Study Notes
Outcomes and Uncertainty
- Predictability = Boring
- Outcomes: Win some, lose some
- Uncertainty: Rules = Certainty?
Random Number Generators (RNG)
- Pseudo-random number generators (RNGs) are used in computer games.
- A linear congruential generator is one method for creating pseudo-random numbers.
Linear Congruential Generator (LCG)
- Steps to generate numbers using the LCG
- Select a non-negative integer under 10 (or 100).
- Multiply by 31 (or 41).
- Add 27 (or 33).
- Use the modulo operator (Mod) to divide by 10 (or 100) to get a remainder.
- The remainder is the generated number.
- Repeat from step 1.
Is the Next Number Predictable?
- It is possible to predict the next number given the LCG formula, previous number, and the range.
The Goal of the System
- Systems in games want a measurable outcome.
- Typical outcomes are winners and losers, or scores.
Games Without Clear End
- Games without clear endings, such as MMORPGs and simulations, typically use conditions for awarding rewards or penalties as measurable outcomes.
The Outcome's Outcome
- Competition is a feature of most games.
- Knowing the winner beforehand does not excite competition.
Uncertainty
- Uncertainty is a central feature of games, sometimes called the essence of play.
- Does game uncertainty translate to chance and randomness?
True or False
- Games do not always need dice rolls or random number generators (RNGs) to have uncertainty.
Uncertainty in Card Games
- Rules for card shuffling do not mean outcomes are uncertain. Some decks in games like Magic: The Gathering are known to be better than others.
- Highly structured card games like e-sports games commonly used are not based on probability.
Multiplayer Games (e.g., FPS, RTS)
- Many multiplayer games are games of skill, not chance.
- Even in these games, is there no uncertainty once opponent ability is known?
True or False (Continued)
- Uncertainty disempowers players, as a sense of choice and agency is reduced if there is little uncertainty.
- Uncertainty empowers players as decisions do matter and have consequences, even if there is some uncertainty.
- Both statements are paradoxical and can be true.
Degrees of Uncertainty
- There are three degrees of uncertainty:
- Certainty
- Risk
- Uncertainty
Predictability = Boring
- Knowing an outcome beforehand makes a game boring.
Risk ≠ Uncertainty
- Risk is a situation of uncertainty, where you know the nature of the uncertainty involved.
- Risk typically involves math, probability. (eg odds of a die roll).
- Risk is not the same as uncertainty, which can refer to circumstances, like players.
100% Uncertainty
- 100% uncertainty describes situations where you know little about your opponent when facing them. (eg. online game).
How Pure Are You?
- Games with complete certainty are rarely engaging.
- Games with pure risk are usually the basis for casinos only.
- Games with pure uncertainty are rare because implied is that everything is unpredictable, even the result from a button click.
- In real-world games, there is a combination of certainty, risk, and uncertainty.
Certainty, Risk and Uncertainty (examples)
- Certainty: Actions with guaranteed results (eg if X then Y).
- Risk: Actions with estimated outcomes, eg odds/chances (if X then N% chance of Y).
- Uncertainty: Unpredictable unknowns about other players or events. (eg what will another player do/encounter?)
Do You Feel Lucky?
- Most players feel randomness from experience, even if there's no true randomness.
Because Complexity
- Opponent's mistakes and chance plays can impact outcomes.
- Games emphasize the "feeling" of randomness more than true randomness itself.
Is it Good to Have One in a Game?
- Ask the questions
- Have you ever been hit by a stray rocket in an FPS?
- Is there really such a thing as a guaranteed win strategy?
- Is the feeling of randomness more important than randomness itself in games?
Reminder
- Start working on a game design document.
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Description
Explore the concepts of predictability and uncertainty in gaming through random number generators. This quiz covers linear congruential generators and their role in creating outcomes in games with measurable results. Whether you're a gamer or a programming enthusiast, test your knowledge about RNG's impact on game mechanics.
