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Re: Map-related deja-vu
- From: Eric McDonald <mcdonald at phy dot cmich dot edu>
- To: Lincoln Peters <sampln at sbcglobal dot net>
- Cc: Xconq list <xconq7 at sources dot redhat dot com>
- Date: Fri, 1 Oct 2004 14:17:05 -0400 (EDT)
- Subject: Re: Map-related deja-vu
On Thu, 30 Sep 2004, Lincoln Peters wrote:
> I don't know much about the logic (?) behind generating random numbers.
There is much logic (determinism) behind computer generation of
"random" numbers. Most generators should more properly be called
pseudorandom number gnerators (PRNG's).
To get some "true" randomness, you have to look for sources that
cannot be [easily] modelled. One example is backscatter of laser
light off of a swirling fluid; use the coordinates of the
backscattered rays and, voila, you have something that might pass
the definition of "random".
> But I did find it rather surprising when the map looked exactly like the
> map I had played on just a few days ago.
As Matthew was saying, the statistical probability of such an
occurance is higher than one might suspect, __at least with the
current seeding mechanism.
> I doubt that an algorithm suitable to cryptographic work would be
> necessary for any game,
Not in the game itself. I was thinking more towards if Xconq ever
went to a secure client-server model.
> 3. I just got lucky.
Yep. It must have been your "birthday."
Eric