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new:rng_myths

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ZDoom RNG myths

Many modders are convinced that ZDoom's Random function is not statistically random, or returns the same sequence of random numbers in different games. As a result, some mods try to enhance the randomness by creating a custom RNG that factors in Timer or actor positions, or combines multiple calls to Random, and use it throughout the mod.

While this non-randomness of Random was probably true previously, it is not anymore. Zandronum 2.0+ and GZDoom 1.8.6+ (as verified, likely earlier versions too) use high-quality statistically random Mersenne Twister RNG and don't output the same sequence in different games or rounds.

Therefore, “enhancing” the RNG will only likely make it less random in modern versions of source ports. It is recommended to remove any custom RNG code from mods.

new/rng_myths.1519034160.txt.gz · Last modified: 2018/02/19 11:56 by korshun