Random Number Generator

Random Number Generator (RNG)

Randomness is an analog process, but computers are digital. Because of this, it is impossible to use a computer to generate a truly random number, but games require randomness or they would become too predictable. Most RNG's are complex mathematical formulae that make it nearly impossible to predict the numerical sequence it will generate. This formula is "seeded" by a number that needs to be as unpredictable as it can be. Most modern computers use a value known as Ticks Since Midnight to do this. Ticks Since Midnight is a counter in the CPU of the machine cycles, or ticks, since the previous midnight. At hundreds or thousands a second, this is as close to unpredictable as a computer can get.

Definition
Term used to describe any nearly-random occurrence.

Examples

 * "RNG killed me again."
 * "Relying on RNG is annoying."

Mechanics
RNG is often used to describe a situation in which proc's don't proc when they should.