The phrase refers to a feature within the video game Baldur’s Gate 3 that allows players to create a character for gameplay with randomized attributes, skills, appearance, and sometimes even background elements. This system provides an alternative to manual character creation, offering a quicker and often more surprising entry point into the game. For example, a player might utilize this to rapidly generate a character with a specific class but with unpredictable stats and visual features.
The function’s significance lies in its ability to provide a quick and accessible way for players to begin their adventures. It lowers the barrier to entry for players unfamiliar with the detailed character creation options or those seeking a unique and unexpected character build. Historically, character randomization systems have existed in role-playing games to inject an element of chance and facilitate diverse playthroughs. This can also spark creative roleplaying opportunities based on the generated character’s unexpected attributes.
The availability of such a system raises several interesting considerations regarding game design, player agency, and the replayability of Baldur’s Gate 3. The following sections will further explore the implications and uses of this character creation method, looking at its balance between random chance and player control, the types of characters it can produce, and its impact on the overall gaming experience.
1. Character Creation
Character creation in Baldur’s Gate 3 represents a foundational element of the player experience, establishing the avatar through which the game world is interacted with. The availability of a randomization feature directly impacts this creation process by providing an alternative to manual selection of attributes, skills, and appearance. This impacts the process by giving a cause, it lowers barrier to entry for players unfamiliar with options or those seeking unique build. This presents players with a character that deviates from their preconceived notions, potentially influencing their gameplay style and narrative choices. For example, a player intending to create a stoic warrior might be presented with a character possessing low strength but high charisma, prompting a shift in role-playing strategy.
The importance of character creation within the randomization system lies in its capacity to accelerate game entry for players who may find the standard character creation interface overwhelming or time-consuming. Furthermore, it introduces an element of unpredictability that can lead to novel character builds and gameplay scenarios. The systems utility extends beyond mere convenience; it facilitates exploration of character archetypes that a player might not otherwise consider, broadening the range of potential game experiences. A practical application of this system would be for players seeking a specific class, such as a rogue, but wanting to bypass the nuanced stat allocation process, allowing the randomization to provide a functional but potentially unorthodox starting point.
In summary, the character randomization tool within Baldur’s Gate 3 directly influences the character creation experience by offering an alternative to manual construction. While it introduces an element of chance, it also serves as a means of expediting the process and encouraging exploration of diverse character possibilities. The primary challenge lies in balancing the degree of randomization with player agency, ensuring that the generated character remains both viable and engaging for the individual player. The link to the broader theme of player choice is evident, as the randomization feature provides another avenue for shaping the player’s journey within the game world.
2. Randomized Attributes
Randomized attributes form a core element of the character generation feature, fundamentally shaping the capabilities and potential of in-game avatars. The degree to which attributes are randomized, and the parameters governing that randomization, directly influence the character’s initial viability and the subsequent player experience.
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Impact on Gameplay Mechanics
Randomized attributes determine a character’s proficiency in various skills and combat abilities. High strength might improve melee damage, while high intelligence enhances spellcasting effectiveness. The distribution of these attributes directly impacts the player’s strategic choices in combat and problem-solving scenarios. For instance, a character with low dexterity and high charisma might rely on persuasion and social skills rather than direct confrontation. In the context of Baldur’s Gate 3, these initial attribute configurations significantly influence the early game experience and the types of challenges a player can effectively overcome.
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Statistical Distribution and Balance
The algorithm governing attribute randomization must adhere to certain constraints to prevent the generation of characters that are either excessively powerful or inherently ineffective. A truly random distribution could result in characters with near-zero scores in crucial attributes, rendering them unplayable. Therefore, a system often employs weighted probabilities or minimum thresholds to ensure a baseline level of competence. This balancing act aims to create characters with diverse strengths and weaknesses without compromising their fundamental viability. The specifics of this statistical distribution are critical to the overall balance and fairness of the game.
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Influence on Role-Playing Opportunities
Randomized attributes can inspire players to adopt role-playing styles that deviate from their initial intentions. A character with unexpectedly high wisdom and low intelligence might be portrayed as possessing insightful intuition despite lacking formal education. These unintended attribute combinations can foster unique and memorable character portrayals. The system essentially seeds creative possibilities, prompting players to explore narrative avenues they might not have otherwise considered. The connection between randomized attributes and emergent role-playing forms a significant aspect of the player’s engagement with the game world.
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Customization and Reroll Mechanics
The character generator often provides options for players to mitigate the inherent randomness of attribute generation. This may involve allowing players to reroll the entire attribute set or to fine-tune individual scores within certain limits. These customization options serve to balance the element of chance with the player’s desire for control over their character’s capabilities. The presence and extent of these mechanics significantly impact the perceived fairness and usefulness of the randomization feature. Without some degree of control, the system may be viewed as arbitrary and frustrating, undermining its intended purpose of facilitating character creation.
The interrelation between randomized attributes and the overall character creation process is critical. The quality of the randomization algorithm, the statistical distribution of attributes, the influence on role-playing opportunities, and the degree of player control collectively determine the value and appeal of the feature. The ultimate goal is to create a system that generates viable, interesting, and potentially surprising characters without sacrificing the player’s sense of agency and investment in the character creation process. The design choices surrounding randomized attributes directly impact the long-term engagement and replayability of Baldur’s Gate 3.
3. Class Selection
Class selection stands as a pivotal decision in Baldur’s Gate 3, defining a character’s primary skillset, combat style, and narrative interactions. When integrated with a random character generator, this element introduces both opportunity and constraint, shaping the player’s initial experience and long-term gameplay strategy.
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Predefined Class vs. Random Assignment
The random character generator may approach class selection in one of two primary ways: allowing the player to pre-select a class before randomization or assigning a class entirely at random. Pre-selection provides a degree of control, ensuring the player begins with a desired archetype. Random assignment, conversely, encourages experimentation and can lead to unexpected character builds. For example, a player intending to play a rogue might be randomly assigned the paladin class, forcing them to adapt to a vastly different gameplay style. This divergence can enhance replayability and foster a broader understanding of the game’s mechanics.
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Class-Specific Attribute Prioritization
Even with a random generator, certain classes inherently benefit from specific attribute configurations. A wizard, for instance, requires high intelligence, while a fighter relies on strength or dexterity. A well-designed randomization algorithm should account for these class-specific needs, weighting attribute distribution accordingly to prevent the generation of inherently underpowered characters. This prioritization does not eliminate randomness entirely but ensures a baseline level of competence within the chosen class. A poorly implemented system, lacking this consideration, could generate a wizard with minimal intelligence, rendering them largely ineffective.
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Impact on Skill Proficiencies and Dialogue Options
Class selection directly determines a character’s skill proficiencies and, consequently, the dialogue options available during interactions with non-player characters. Randomly assigning a class therefore impacts the player’s ability to navigate social situations and overcome challenges through means other than combat. A character randomly assigned the bard class, for example, may excel at persuasion and deception, opening up unique narrative pathways. Conversely, a character assigned the barbarian class may struggle with diplomatic solutions, leading to more direct and confrontational approaches. This interplay between class, skills, and dialogue contributes significantly to the character’s overall role-playing potential.
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Class Restrictions and Multi-classing Potential
Some classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 may have inherent restrictions on race or alignment. The random generator must adhere to these constraints to avoid creating invalid character combinations. Furthermore, the possibility of multi-classing, where a character combines levels from multiple classes, introduces additional complexity. The generator might randomly suggest multi-class combinations, offering the player further customization options. However, these suggestions should be carefully balanced to ensure synergy between the chosen classes. A poorly considered multi-class combination can result in a character that is less effective than a single-class alternative.
The interplay between class selection and the random character generator presents a dynamic tension between chance and player agency. The effectiveness of the system hinges on its ability to balance random assignment with class-specific requirements and narrative implications. The ultimate goal is to create a system that encourages experimentation, fosters unique character builds, and enhances the overall role-playing experience within the world of Baldur’s Gate 3.
4. Appearance Customization
Appearance customization, when integrated with a random character generator in Baldur’s Gate 3, provides a crucial avenue for player expression and personalization. While the random generator might initially determine a character’s physical features, the customization options available subsequently permit players to refine and modify these attributes to better align with their envisioned character concept. The generator produces an initial appearance, serving as a foundation that the player can then mold, adding a layer of individual agency to a process that begins with chance.
The significance of appearance customization lies in its ability to mitigate the potential disconnect between a randomly generated character and the player’s personal preferences. Examples of customization options include adjusting facial features, hair styles and colors, skin tones, and applying makeup or scars. These choices impact the player’s sense of investment and connection with their character. A generator might create a character with a specific eye color, but if the player prefers a different hue, they can alter it to match their desired aesthetic. Customization promotes a sense of ownership of the randomized character, transforming it from a product of chance into a personalized avatar.
Appearance customization within a random character generator aims to strike a balance between serendipitous creation and individual expression. The generator provides a starting point, potentially pushing players outside their comfort zones or inspiring novel character ideas. The customization tools allow refinement and adaptation, ensuring the final product resonates with the player’s vision. The availability of these features affects player engagement and satisfaction, solidifying the role of customization as an integral component of a robust and versatile random character generation system. The resulting character becomes a synthesis of chance and intention.
5. Unexpected Builds
The confluence of randomized character generation and the complex systems of Baldur’s Gate 3 frequently results in “Unexpected Builds” character configurations that deviate significantly from standard optimization strategies or player expectations. This phenomenon arises from the inherent unpredictability of attribute distribution, skill proficiencies, and class combinations generated by the in-game tool, which in turn profoundly impacts gameplay experiences.
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Synergistic Anomaly
This facet describes the creation of characters where seemingly disparate attribute scores or skill proficiencies unexpectedly coalesce to produce powerful or versatile gameplay capabilities. For instance, a randomly generated character with moderate strength and high charisma might excel in both melee combat and social encounters, leveraging intimidation tactics in combat or resolving conflicts through diplomacy, a combination not typically pursued in optimized builds. This leads to diverse gameplay options.
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Suboptimal Challenge
Conversely, the random generator can produce characters with inherent limitations stemming from unbalanced attribute distributions or incongruous skill proficiencies. A character with low dexterity and a martial class might struggle with accuracy and evasion, requiring players to adopt unconventional strategies to compensate for these shortcomings. This challenge could involve reliance on consumable items, strategic positioning, or heavy armor, altering the expected gameplay loop for that class.
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Narrative Inspiration
Unexpected Builds can also serve as a catalyst for unique role-playing opportunities. A character with high intelligence but low wisdom might be portrayed as brilliant but prone to impulsive decisions, shaping dialogue choices and narrative interactions. The character’s statistical profile informs the player’s portrayal, creating a cohesive and engaging narrative experience despite or because of its unorthodox nature.
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Discovery of Niche Strategies
The constraints imposed by an Unexpected Build may lead players to explore underutilized skills, spells, or equipment, uncovering niche strategies that would otherwise be overlooked. A character with limited combat prowess might rely on environmental interactions, summoning allies, or employing illusion spells to overcome obstacles, expanding the strategic depth of the game. This may affect the player choices and the game results.
The emergence of Unexpected Builds underscores the capacity of randomized character generation to promote experimentation and creativity. While potentially presenting challenges, these unconventional configurations often lead to novel gameplay experiences and unique narrative opportunities. The interplay between chance and player ingenuity highlights the value of the in-game character generator as a tool for fostering emergent gameplay within Baldur’s Gate 3.
6. Streamlined Start
The integration of a random character generator directly facilitates a “Streamlined Start” in Baldur’s Gate 3, offering an expedited alternative to manual character creation. This feature reduces the initial time investment required to begin gameplay and provides immediate access to the game world, particularly beneficial for new players or those seeking rapid iteration.
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Reduced Decision Fatigue
The manual character creation process can involve numerous choices regarding race, class, attributes, skills, and appearance. This can overwhelm some players, leading to “decision fatigue.” The random generator alleviates this by automating these decisions, presenting a pre-configured character ready for immediate use. This allows players to bypass the intricacies of character optimization and focus on exploration and story progression. A real-world parallel is the use of pre-built computer configurations, which offer a functional system without requiring the user to select individual components.
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Accelerated Onboarding
New players often require time to familiarize themselves with the game’s mechanics and systems. A “Streamlined Start” via the random generator allows them to enter the game world more quickly, learning through experience rather than abstract character planning. They can experiment with different classes and abilities without the commitment of a lengthy creation process. This is similar to providing a tutorial level in other games, guiding players through core mechanics before exposing them to more complex systems.
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Facilitated Iteration and Experimentation
The random generator allows players to quickly create multiple characters, exploring different class and attribute combinations with minimal time investment. This encourages experimentation and allows players to identify preferred playstyles more efficiently. A parallel can be drawn to rapid prototyping in software development, where developers quickly create and test different versions of a product to identify optimal designs. This can be a useful strategy for veterans, testing content more quickly.
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Lowered Barrier to Entry
The complexity of character creation can deter some players from even starting the game. The “Streamlined Start” offered by the random generator lowers this barrier, making the game more accessible to a wider audience. This is analogous to providing simplified registration processes on websites, reducing the steps required to create an account and encouraging more users to sign up.
The benefits of a “Streamlined Start” through the random character generator directly contribute to a more accessible and engaging initial experience in Baldur’s Gate 3. By reducing decision fatigue, accelerating onboarding, facilitating experimentation, and lowering the barrier to entry, this feature enhances player satisfaction and encourages broader participation. The random generator is useful for newcomers to the Baldur’s Gate franchise.
7. Replayability Value
Replayability value, the capacity of a game to sustain player interest through multiple playthroughs, is significantly enhanced by the random character generator within Baldur’s Gate 3. The generator introduces an element of variability, ensuring each new character presents a distinct experience. This variability directly combats the stagnation that can occur with fixed character builds, thereby extending the game’s lifespan and player engagement. The cause-and-effect relationship is clear: the generator introduces randomness, which leads to unique characters, ultimately increasing replayability. A practical example is a player who, after completing the game with a manually created fighter, utilizes the random generator to create a cleric with unforeseen attribute distributions, leading to a dramatically different playstyle and necessitating new strategic approaches. Without character variety, replayability is limited.
The random character generator’s contribution to replayability stems from several factors. Firstly, it reduces the tedium of repetitive character creation. Players are spared the exhaustive process of manually allocating stats and selecting skills, allowing them to quickly explore diverse character archetypes. Secondly, the unpredictable nature of the generated characters encourages experimentation. Players may encounter characters with unconventional strengths and weaknesses, prompting them to adopt new strategies and approaches to combat and role-playing scenarios. A wizard with surprisingly high strength, for instance, might be utilized as a melee combatant, challenging conventional gameplay norms. Thirdly, the altered gameplay experiences resulting from these unique characters open up fresh narrative possibilities. Dialogue options and quest resolutions can vary significantly depending on the character’s skills and attributes. The diversity of characters creates a wide spread impact.
In conclusion, the random character generator in Baldur’s Gate 3 functions as a catalyst for increased replayability value. By injecting unpredictability into character creation, the generator compels players to adapt their strategies, explore new playstyles, and uncover emergent narrative opportunities. This, in turn, sustains player interest and extends the game’s longevity. A persistent challenge lies in balancing randomness with player agency, ensuring that the generated characters remain viable and engaging despite their unconventional attributes. This equilibrium point is crucial in maximizing the positive impact of the generator on replayability value. The generator’s effect is apparent for veterans of the Baldur’s Gate series.
8. Player Agency
Player agency, defined as the capacity of players to make meaningful choices and exert influence within a game world, is intrinsically linked to character randomization features such as that found in Baldur’s Gate 3. The presence and implementation of such a generator directly impact the degree to which players feel in control of their character’s creation and subsequent development. While the generator introduces an element of chance, it also necessitates mechanisms that allow players to retain a degree of authority over the process. Without adequate control, the generator risks diminishing player investment and satisfaction, undermining the core principle of agency. For example, a system that generates a character with an unviable attribute distribution, offering no recourse for modification, directly detracts from the player’s sense of control over their gameplay experience. This affects player investment and satisfaction, harming the play experience.
The balance between randomization and player control is often achieved through features such as reroll options, point-buy systems integrated with the random generation, or extensive customization options following the initial generation. Reroll options allow players to discard an undesirable character and generate a new one, providing a basic level of control over the outcome. Point-buy systems, even when combined with a random starting point, allow players to fine-tune attributes to better suit their desired playstyle. Customization options, ranging from appearance modifications to skill adjustments, offer further opportunities for personalization and agency. For instance, after a character is randomly generated, the player may be able to reallocate a limited number of points to key attributes, ensuring a baseline level of competence in their chosen class. In addition, the player should be allowed to customize background elements. These options should be readily accessible.
In conclusion, the integration of a random character generator in Baldur’s Gate 3 presents a delicate balancing act between chance and player agency. The effectiveness of the system hinges on its ability to provide a viable starting point while empowering players to shape their characters according to their preferences. Challenges arise in determining the optimal degree of control, ensuring that the randomization remains meaningful without sacrificing the player’s sense of ownership. Ultimately, a well-designed system enhances player engagement and fosters a stronger connection to the game world, thereby contributing to a more rewarding and memorable gaming experience. Failing to appropriately integrate agency causes a lack of player investment.
9. Chance Element
The “chance element” is a core component of the in-game character generator within Baldur’s Gate 3. This refers to the pseudo-random number generation algorithms used to determine character attributes, skills, appearance, and other defining characteristics. The implementation of this element directly causes a level of unpredictability in the character creation process, distinguishing it from manual character creation where players have direct control over all parameters. The importance of the “chance element” stems from its ability to generate unique and potentially unconventional character builds that players might not otherwise consider, expanding the range of gameplay possibilities. For example, a player might intend to create a warrior with high strength and constitution but instead receive a character with surprisingly high intelligence and charisma. This unexpected attribute distribution could prompt the player to adopt a different playstyle, emphasizing diplomacy and tactical maneuvering over direct combat.
The practical significance of the “chance element” lies in its impact on replayability and player engagement. By introducing variability into the character creation process, it ensures that each new playthrough offers a potentially distinct experience. This prevents stagnation and encourages players to experiment with different character archetypes and gameplay strategies. Furthermore, the “chance element” can foster creativity and role-playing opportunities. Players might be inspired to develop unique backstories and personalities for their characters based on their randomly generated attributes and skills. For instance, a character with a high intelligence score but a low wisdom score could be portrayed as brilliant but prone to impulsive decisions, leading to interesting narrative consequences. This can lead to emergent gameplay strategies.
In conclusion, the “chance element” is an indispensable aspect of the in-game character generator in Baldur’s Gate 3, influencing character attributes, skills, and appearance. While it introduces an element of unpredictability, it also enhances replayability, promotes experimentation, and fosters creativity. The main challenge lies in balancing this “chance element” with player agency, ensuring that the randomly generated characters remain viable and engaging while still offering players meaningful choices and customization options. The degree of randomness greatly impacts replayability.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common queries regarding the in-game random character generator found within Baldur’s Gate 3. The responses provide factual information and avoid subjective opinions.
Question 1: What aspects of a character are subject to randomization?
The generator typically randomizes core attributes (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma), skill proficiencies, and initial appearance. Specific implementations may also include randomization of background elements and starting equipment.
Question 2: Is it possible to specify a desired class prior to randomization?
Functionality varies depending on the specific implementation. Some generators permit class pre-selection, while others assign a class entirely at random. This choice impacts the degree of player control over the generated character’s archetype.
Question 3: Does the generator ensure a viable character build?
A well-designed generator incorporates constraints or weighted probabilities to prevent the creation of inherently ineffective characters. This may involve minimum attribute thresholds or class-specific attribute prioritization.
Question 4: Can the generated character be customized after randomization?
Many implementations offer post-generation customization options, allowing players to modify appearance, reallocate skill points, or adjust attribute scores within certain limits. The extent of customization varies.
Question 5: Does the random generator impact the narrative or dialogue options available?
The character’s attributes, skills, and class directly influence available dialogue options and potential quest resolutions. A randomly generated character may, therefore, experience a different narrative path than a manually created one.
Question 6: Does the random generator consume in-game currency or resources?
The generator typically operates without cost. The process of randomization is usually a free and repeatable function within the character creation interface.
The in-game random character generator in Baldur’s Gate 3 provides a swift and accessible method of character creation. Players should recognize its capabilities and limitations.
The following section will delve into specific strategies for utilizing the random character generator effectively.
Tips for Effective Use
These tips offer guidance for maximizing the utility of the character randomization feature within Baldur’s Gate 3, focusing on strategic adaptation and informed decision-making.
Tip 1: Establish Core Class Parameters
Prioritize class selection. While attributes may be randomized, defining the character’s class upfront provides a framework for subsequent adjustments. This approach ensures a baseline level of competence aligned with the desired playstyle. Select key class before using the generator.
Tip 2: Evaluate Attribute Synergy, not Individual Scores
Focus on the overall distribution of attributes rather than individual values. A character may not excel in all areas, but synergistic combinations can unlock unique gameplay opportunities. A character with high Charisma and Dexterity, for instance, might excel at deception and stealth, despite a lower Strength score.
Tip 3: Leverage Post-Generation Customization Options
Utilize all available customization tools to fine-tune the generated character. This includes reallocating skill points, adjusting appearance, and selecting appropriate feats. Strategic adjustments can compensate for initial deficiencies and enhance existing strengths.
Tip 4: Embrace Unconventional Builds
Resist the urge to immediately discard characters with unconventional attribute distributions. These builds can lead to novel gameplay experiences and foster creativity. Consider how a character with unexpectedly high Intelligence might be adapted to a martial class, exploring tactical possibilities beyond standard combat strategies.
Tip 5: Consider Background Implications
Pay attention to the randomly assigned background, as this influences dialogue options and skill proficiencies. Integrate the background into the character’s role-playing persona, creating a cohesive and engaging narrative experience.
Tip 6: Reroll Strategically, Not Obsessively
Utilize the reroll function judiciously. Aim for a character with a reasonable distribution of attributes rather than striving for perfection. Excessive rerolling can be time-consuming and ultimately unproductive. It is better to adapt to the unique advantages of the random generator than it is to aim for perfection.
These tips emphasize strategic adaptation and informed decision-making, maximizing the utility of random character generation without compromising player agency. By embracing unconventional builds and leveraging customization options, players can unlock new gameplay experiences and create compelling characters within Baldur’s Gate 3.
The subsequent section concludes this discussion by summarizing the benefits and limitations of the generator, offering a final perspective on its role within the game.
Conclusion
The exploration of the Baldur’s Gate 3 random character generator in game demonstrates its multi-faceted influence. This feature provides an alternative to manual character creation, expediting game entry and encouraging exploration of diverse character builds. The system’s effectiveness hinges on a balance between randomization and player agency, impacting replayability, and potentially fostering unique gameplay experiences. Key considerations include the distribution of attributes, class selection constraints, and the degree of post-generation customization available. The generator’s design directly affects the initial player experience, long-term engagement, and overall satisfaction. It’s a balance between agency and the “chance element” that is necessary for the character creator.
As game design continues to evolve, the integration of randomization features will likely become more sophisticated, offering increasingly nuanced control and customization options. Further research into player preferences and the impact of randomized elements on gameplay could lead to more refined and engaging character creation experiences. Developers should continue to focus on balancing chance with agency, ensuring that these systems enhance, rather than detract from, the player’s sense of ownership and investment in their characters. The future of randomization features depends on its balance between chance and agency.
