There are plenty of specific elements that make the gaming market so attractive to such a large number of individuals. Whether it is immersive worlds, well-crafted gameplay systems brought to life through interesting mechanics, or even storylines with intricate writing, it would be extremely difficult to expand on all of these aspects in detail.
For this reason, we will be focusing on two specific draws that hook millions of players around the globe. The first is the pursuit of mastery, relying on a player’s desire to hone their skill through engaging with the game’s designed systems consistently, and the second is the RNG system, which essentially simulates randomized outcomes.
Below, we will be looking at some of the clearest examples that demonstrate the appeal of these two pillars of the overall gaming experience and exploring specific genres that rely on both mastery and understanding, as well as a bit of luck for a player’s success.
The Core of Gambling: Luck/RNG
Being a major part of the overall gaming industry, built and sustained through mini-games that very often rely on chance, the casino world is a perfect reference point to expand on the role of RNG.
In the casino industry, the RNG system plays a pivotal role, simulating the element of pure chance that underpins many of the most popular and fascinating casino games. Slot machines, for instance, are almost entirely reliant on RNG, with the spinning reels and resulting combinations being determined by a complex algorithm that generates simulated random outcomes.
While there are plenty of other aspects that make the casino industry popular, one of its main appeals lies in the thrill of the unknown. It all stems from the anticipation of a potential big win and the adrenaline rush that comes with each spin or roll of the dice.
As mentioned, the most popular casino game, the slot machine, is built around a system in which skill plays little to no role in determining the outcome. The element of luck is what keeps players engaged and hopeful, fueling the excitement and the fire that keep interest in the industry alive. The same can be said about some other games, say roulette, for example, as it is another fan favorite that is all based on RNG.
Of course, this isn’t to say that every outcome is always exclusively determined by luck. There are some strategies that one can use to attempt to increase their odds. Plus, there are some strategy-based games within the gaming industry that we will talk about in more detail below.
Pursuit of Mastery in Gaming
In contrast to the section above, certain video game genres place a strong emphasis on skill acquisition and mastery, minimizing the role of luck in determining player success. Fighting games, for example, are built around intricate combat systems that reward players who invest countless hours honing their reflexes, execution, and understanding of frame data and character matchups.
It takes a remarkable amount of time for players to achieve a high level of mastery, even with an individual character in a fighting game, let alone having a decent understanding of each character’s strengths and weaknesses, punish windows, etc.
Games like Street Fighter, Tekken, and Guilty Gear, as well as many more in the FGC, have dedicated competitive scenes where players push the boundaries of what’s possible within the game’s mechanics. Success in these titles is directly tied to a player’s ability to outmaneuver and outplay their opponents, with little room for luck or random outcomes to influence the results.
Of course, we say little room because it is almost impossible to eliminate luck from the equation when engaging with even the most skill-demanding games. What is different about fighting games though, and a big reason why it is a good example for this article, is that RNG does not come from an algorithm, unless, of course, a player is playing against the computer, but rather from the other player.
Guessing whether a low or an overhead is coming, breaking throws, and maintaining defense have elements of luck involved. However, it is also a fascinating mind game to play with the opposing player, trying to predict their next move based on the previous patterns and punishing them accordingly.
To move away from fighting games, though, other titles praised for their mechanical complexities and challenging gameplay can also fit the conversation. Action games like Devil May Cry and Ninja Gaiden are renowned for their challenging combat encounters, which demand precision, timing, and a deep understanding of the game’s systems. In these games, AI attack patterns and move-sets are also important to understand, as without a good defense, a player will not be successful.
The Intersection of Luck and Skill
While we did mention how even the most ‘skill-demanding’ games have the inevitable elements of luck, there are some games that actively try to make the most out of the two systems at the same time, as opposed to trying to minimize one.
To return to the casino realm, games like poker and blackjack introduce a strategic element where players’ decisions and understanding of probability and risk management can influence the outcome. While luck still plays a role in the cards dealt, skilled players can leverage their knowledge and experience to gain a competitive edge.
In the video game world, BR games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) blend luck and skill quite well. While the initial drop and loot acquisition is heavily influenced by random factors, skilled players can leverage their aim, positioning, and strategic decision-making to outmaneuver opponents and emerge victorious.
Conclusion
Whether it’s the thrill of pure chance, the satisfaction of honing one’s skills to perfection, or the delicate balance between the two, the gaming industry caters to a wide range of player preferences. Whatever your taste may be, there is likely a game that will satisfy it.
