“RNG abuse” is free will.

Gaming makes heavy use of pseudo-random number generation (RNG). In Fire Emblem, as in some other games, the random numbers determine the statistics upon level ups of your characters, determining their strengths and weaknesses. In older Fire Emblem Games, the state of the RNG is always recorded, even if the player does not save. Some players take advantage of this fact by restarting the game to retry some events to get better level-ups. Some people call this “RNG abuse”.

First off, this is a bad name. These player actions are better described as retrial by time travel, or outcome optimization… I call it outcome minmaxing. I would even rename “RNG manipulation software” as “creative outcome minmaxing tool”. It’s important to find good names for things, because the words we use already frame reality.

At the current time, the most recent Fire Emblme game completely, deliberately eliminated ouctome minmaxing. It is not possible to get different level up statistics by reloading a save file and trying again. Effectively, the characters are locked into their litteraly pre-ordained, destined level ups. The design speaks: Do not worry player, your Edelgard was destined to be strength screwed, and there is nothing you can do about it. This kind of “anti-abuse” only serves to punish minmaxers, because casual players do not care about RNG, or minmaxing, or investing that many hours in the game anyhow.

Not only is that patronizing, it prevents a certain playstyle, and mechanically implements the concept destiny. I refuse destiny. As the creator god of my universe, I wish my characters and my players to have more free will. The characters, because no one is locked into greatness or mediocrity from the start in my universe. The players, because if you wish to minmax outcomes, I say go for it!