I don't use them because they take away the joy of the clackety clacks. I'd rather physical ones.
However, there was a thread on this. I might have minor details garbled because this was something I read ages ago, but the principles are correct.
The app doesn't use an RNG to determine the end result and then force the graphics to give the dice results that match. Instead, it seems to use the screen to "roll" the dice. This can cause problems on small screens which have low screen estate for the dice to achieve a proper free roll, and so can bias the results.
In the thread, the person did a really high number of rolls and showed that having a small screen (like a small phone) does somewhat bias rolls. However, if you used a larger screen, the bias all but disappears.
If you're using a small screen there may be a bias. If you're using a larger one, then the options are:
Your sample size is too small and so random chance is giving you nasty results.
Your real dice throws are giving biased results, so "fair" dice rolls on the app seem to roll low.
Cognitive bias - I could write an essay just covering the basics on this. Suffice to say that it shouldn't be dismissed.
The only way to know if it's biased is to roll the dice and record the results. There are good methods on the internet that you can Google, you just can't be intimidated by maths to use them. A basic method looks like this:
Roll a d4 many times, recording the result of each roll. You're going to need to do this a lot, ideally 1,000+ times. You need at least 100 times, but the more the better.
Organise the results as a list of the number of times you get each result (IE, you can see that you rolled a 1 however many times, a 2 however many times etc).
Find the average value of the rolls.
You need to evaluate the results. For the list, you should get each number an approximately equal number of times. There will be a variation (which is smaller relative to the total number of rolls), but it should not be large. You als I need to compare the average roll with the theoretical average roll. To work out the latter for a die, take the number of sides (for a d4 that's 4), divide by two (to get 2, for a d4), then add 0.5 (to get 2.5 for a d4). There will be some difference, but it should be small if the roll is fair and you've done a decent number of rolls.
Repeat steps for the d6, etc.
That's a lot of work, but it's worth it if you don't trust the app. Someone else did it for you and found that on anything other than a small phone screen, the bias is negligible.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
Anyone else avoid the in app dice, because they roll so poorly? Seems statistically impossible how low they roll???
Madpops67
I don't use them because they take away the joy of the clackety clacks. I'd rather physical ones.
However, there was a thread on this. I might have minor details garbled because this was something I read ages ago, but the principles are correct.
The app doesn't use an RNG to determine the end result and then force the graphics to give the dice results that match. Instead, it seems to use the screen to "roll" the dice. This can cause problems on small screens which have low screen estate for the dice to achieve a proper free roll, and so can bias the results.
In the thread, the person did a really high number of rolls and showed that having a small screen (like a small phone) does somewhat bias rolls. However, if you used a larger screen, the bias all but disappears.
If you're using a small screen there may be a bias. If you're using a larger one, then the options are:
The only way to know if it's biased is to roll the dice and record the results. There are good methods on the internet that you can Google, you just can't be intimidated by maths to use them. A basic method looks like this:
That's a lot of work, but it's worth it if you don't trust the app. Someone else did it for you and found that on anything other than a small phone screen, the bias is negligible.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
My players would disagree with you. :D
"How the eff do you keep rolling 20s?" :D
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the dice roll worse for me : (
sticking out ur gyat for the rizzler
PM me the word TOMATO🍅
14 d20 1
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a fourteen and a one : (
sticking out ur gyat for the rizzler
PM me the word TOMATO🍅
Interestingly, it does seem to do better on a bigger screen??? Good enough, thanks for the prompt responses...
Mad.
11 D20
sticking out ur gyat for the rizzler
PM me the word TOMATO🍅
True they are not great but I use them because it auto adds my bonus’s.