A lot of speculations about Candy Crush Saga being “rigged” are making the rounds on the Internet. Naturally, this has disappointed quite a lot of gamers, especially avid fans of the game. So far, the developers (King) have been mum about the issue.
However, a lot of gamers are making rounds on online discussions and forums. They are saying that the popular match-3 game is not just based on strategy, but also luck. Furthermore, they conclude that Candy Crush uses a system called Random Number Generator (RNG).
What exactly is RNG?
Speaking of RNG, let’s try to understand the system first. According to How-To Geek, RNG is an algorithm that produces random numbers that can be used to determine random events such as landing a critical hit or picking up a rare item in a game.
RNG is a common algorithm used in many kinds of games – whether on mobile, PC, or consoles. Popular games such as Pokemon, Hearthstone, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Minecraft, and DOTA 2 also use RNG.
In the games you have played, do you ever notice how your characters sometimes pick random items in random locations? Do you also notice that some levels were harder to pass the first or second time you play them? RNG made that possible. In other words, whenever an event or situation turns out to produce random results in a game, that relies on RNG.
What are the types of RNG?
True RNG
According to MakeUseOf, true RNGs use physical phenomenon or processes to produce random number sequences. A few of these physical phenomena include electronic noise, time of key presses, etc. This type of RNG is usually used in security systems and encryption. Specifically, they are used in PIN and password generation. This includes MAC algorithm keys, keys for digital signature, algorithms, and the like.
Pseudorandom-RNG
According to GeeksforGeeks, a pseudorandom number generator is an algorithm that uses mathematical algorithms to produce random number sequences. Most games are adapting to this type of algorithm. Although it is evident that they are mostly used for puzzle games, card games, or RPGs, it is rumored that they are also used in several competitive games that are mostly based on skill.
Candy Crush and RNG: Is it Bad?
Not exactly. There is a huge possibility that Candy Crush Saga is using this kind of algorithm. Since it is a puzzle game, it is not really surprising if it uses RNG to produce random solutions to each level. Using this keeps the game more unpredictable and exciting.
Another reason why RNG is useful for the Candy Crush game is that it prevents players from simply memorizing the exact solutions on how to solve puzzles in each level. Once the players know the answers already, that would bear no challenge, especially for those who are already high up in the rankings. What’s more, having repetitive challenges on a single level would only bore players in the long run.
Though we haven’t heard any word from the developers yet, this type of algorithm should not be taken as a disadvantage. Because of the “randomness” that this algorithm brings, you’ll experience lots of variations in the game, which makes gameplay more exciting. Besides, many other games use the RNG system. So why not Candy Crush, right?
Ever notice that some levels of Candy Crush just seem easy on the first try, but then when you replay that same level, it suddenly becomes very difficult? That’s thanks to RNG. No replay of every level is the same!
But Here’s the Catch…
However, there is a disadvantage of using RNGs in puzzle games – it can be manipulated. How? Because they are based on algorithms. Since some variables are easy to predict, developers might find a way to manipulate these algorithms and use it to their advantage. Then again, that remains to be a speculation. Since this case remains to be a mystery, it seems that players just have to adapt and make the most out of the game.
