After observing and testing this app's gameplay for five and a half years there is far and away more manipulation than randomness. There is also a suspected "dial of tenor" between softness and hardness. The dial is set to softer in September (this app's anniversary month), December (the High Holiday season), and Springtime (Easter time). To test randomness: 1) look around for a certificate of random chance (there is none as other apps/games of chance have and proudly show this document); 2), even out your barn, expansion or building materials (preferred) and sell five or more of one and observe the frequency/time of replenishment/rebalancing; 3), repeat 2 using a different material for the "weak link." Some events even give away this app's carnival alley ("carnie") mentality with games of setting records and "skill" complete with jerky interruptions of smooth, consistent game action to cause failure and spur spending. My first co-op and I summed all this up by inventing "Al the algorithm" and having the motto "one for all and all against Al." BTW, I am an international website and mobile app judge whose personal library of apps is 4,300+ and includes hundreds of tested/reviewed game apps.