wordle/.claude/skills/gds-game-architecture/architecture-patterns.yaml

# Architecture Patterns - Common patterns identified from game design requirements
# Used during Step 4 (decisions) to match GDD keywords to architectural needs
#
# ⚠️ CRITICAL: All version/feature info MUST be verified via WebSearch during workflow
# This file only provides: triggers, relationships, and pattern identification logic

requirement_patterns:
  realtime_multiplayer:
    triggers:
      - "real-time multiplayer"
      - "online multiplayer"
      - "networked gameplay"
      - "PvP"
      - "co-op"
      - "competitive"
      - "synchronous multiplayer"
    decisions_needed:
      - networking_model
      - netcode_solution
      - server_authority
      - state_synchronization
      - lag_compensation
      - matchmaking
    suggested_stack:
      - "Dedicated servers or relay for authoritative gameplay"
      - "Client-side prediction with server reconciliation"
      - "UDP-based transport (ENet, LiteNetLib, or engine-native)"
      - "Matchmaking service (engine-native, PlayFab, or custom)"

  turn_based_multiplayer:
    triggers:
      - "turn-based"
      - "asynchronous multiplayer"
      - "hotseat"
      - "play-by-mail"
      - "card game"
      - "board game"
    decisions_needed:
      - session_persistence
      - turn_validation
      - game_state_storage
      - player_notification
      - reconnection_handling
    suggested_stack:
      - "REST or WebSocket API for turn submission"
      - "Server-side turn validation and state management"
      - "Database-backed game state (SQLite, PostgreSQL, or cloud)"
      - "Push notifications for turn alerts"

  physics_simulation:
    triggers:
      - "physics"
      - "rigid body"
      - "collision"
      - "ragdoll"
      - "destruction"
      - "vehicle simulation"
      - "fluid simulation"
    decisions_needed:
      - physics_engine
      - simulation_fidelity
      - determinism_requirements
      - collision_layer_strategy
      - physics_tick_rate
    suggested_stack:
      - "Engine-native physics (PhysX, Jolt, Godot Physics)"
      - "Fixed timestep simulation decoupled from rendering"
      - "Collision layer matrix for performance"
      - "Physics materials system for surface interactions"

  procedural_generation:
    triggers:
      - "procedural"
      - "randomly generated"
      - "roguelike"
      - "roguelite"
      - "infinite terrain"
      - "wave function collapse"
      - "dungeon generation"
      - "world generation"
    decisions_needed:
      - generation_algorithm
      - seed_management
      - chunk_streaming
      - content_validation
      - generation_pipeline
    suggested_stack:
      - "Seeded PRNG for reproducibility"
      - "Chunk-based or room-based generation depending on scope"
      - "Constraint-based validation passes"
      - "Async generation with loading strategies"

  rpg_systems:
    triggers:
      - "RPG"
      - "character stats"
      - "inventory"
      - "skill tree"
      - "leveling"
      - "experience points"
      - "equipment"
      - "loot"
      - "crafting"
    decisions_needed:
      - stat_system_design
      - inventory_architecture
      - progression_model
      - save_data_schema
      - effect_and_buff_system
    suggested_stack:
      - "Data-driven stat and item definitions (JSON, YAML, or ScriptableObjects)"
      - "Component or ECS-based character system"
      - "Serializable save system with versioning"
      - "Observer pattern for stat change propagation"

  platformer_mechanics:
    triggers:
      - "platformer"
      - "2D physics"
      - "jumping"
      - "side-scrolling"
      - "metroidvania"
      - "precision movement"
    decisions_needed:
      - character_controller_type
      - camera_system
      - level_design_tools
      - animation_system
      - input_buffering
    suggested_stack:
      - "Custom character controller (not physics-driven rigidbody)"
      - "Coyote time and input buffering for feel"
      - "Tilemap or modular level construction"
      - "State machine for character states"

  strategy_rts:
    triggers:
      - "strategy"
      - "RTS"
      - "4X"
      - "base building"
      - "unit management"
      - "resource management"
      - "fog of war"
      - "tower defense"
    decisions_needed:
      - pathfinding_solution
      - unit_selection_system
      - ai_architecture
      - fog_of_war_approach
      - resource_economy_model
    suggested_stack:
      - "A* or flow field pathfinding depending on unit count"
      - "Spatial partitioning for unit queries (quadtree, spatial hash)"
      - "Command pattern for unit orders"
      - "ECS or data-oriented design for large unit counts"

  puzzle_mechanics:
    triggers:
      - "puzzle"
      - "logic game"
      - "match-3"
      - "word game"
      - "brain teaser"
      - "sokoban"
    decisions_needed:
      - puzzle_state_representation
      - undo_redo_system
      - hint_system
      - difficulty_progression
      - solution_validation
    suggested_stack:
      - "Immutable state snapshots for undo/redo"
      - "Rule engine for move validation"
      - "Data-driven puzzle definitions"
      - "Analytics-informed difficulty tuning"

  open_world:
    triggers:
      - "open world"
      - "sandbox"
      - "seamless world"
      - "large map"
      - "exploration"
      - "survival"
      - "crafting"
    decisions_needed:
      - world_streaming
      - lod_strategy
      - persistence_model
      - ai_budget_management
      - day_night_cycle
    suggested_stack:
      - "Chunk-based world streaming with async loading"
      - "Multi-level LOD for terrain, objects, and AI"
      - "Zone-based save system with dirty tracking"
      - "Spatial partitioning for active entity management"

  narrative_driven:
    triggers:
      - "story"
      - "dialogue"
      - "branching narrative"
      - "visual novel"
      - "quest system"
      - "cutscenes"
      - "choices matter"
    decisions_needed:
      - dialogue_system
      - narrative_scripting_tool
      - quest_tracking
      - branching_logic
      - localization_pipeline
    suggested_stack:
      - "Dialogue graph tool (Yarn Spinner, Ink, or custom)"
      - "Event-driven quest state machine"
      - "Flag/variable system for world state tracking"
      - "Localization table with string keys"

  mobile_casual:
    triggers:
      - "mobile"
      - "casual"
      - "free-to-play"
      - "F2P"
      - "hyper-casual"
      - "idle game"
      - "touch controls"
    decisions_needed:
      - monetization_model
      - session_design
      - save_and_sync
      - performance_budget
      - input_abstraction
    suggested_stack:
      - "Lightweight engine or framework (Unity Mobile, Godot, or custom)"
      - "Cloud save with offline-first design"
      - "Ad mediation SDK and IAP integration"
      - "Aggressive memory and draw call budgeting"

  vr_xr:
    triggers:
      - "VR"
      - "virtual reality"
      - "AR"
      - "augmented reality"
      - "XR"
      - "mixed reality"
      - "motion controls"
      - "room-scale"
    decisions_needed:
      - xr_runtime
      - interaction_system
      - locomotion_method
      - comfort_settings
      - performance_target
    suggested_stack:
      - "OpenXR for cross-platform headset support"
      - "Engine XR toolkit (XR Interaction Toolkit, XR Tools)"
      - "Fixed foveated rendering and LOD for performance"
      - "Comfort options (vignette, snap turn, teleport)"

  fighting_action:
    triggers:
      - "fighting game"
      - "action combat"
      - "combo system"
      - "hitbox"
      - "frame data"
      - "hack and slash"
      - "beat-em-up"
    decisions_needed:
      - combat_system_architecture
      - hitbox_hurtbox_system
      - animation_canceling
      - frame_data_model
      - input_handling
    suggested_stack:
      - "Frame-based combat state machine"
      - "Data-driven hitbox/hurtbox definitions"
      - "Input buffer with command parsing"
      - "Deterministic simulation for rollback netcode"

  racing_vehicle:
    triggers:
      - "racing"
      - "driving"
      - "vehicle physics"
      - "kart"
      - "flight sim"
      - "space sim"
    decisions_needed:
      - vehicle_physics_model
      - track_design_tools
      - camera_system
      - ai_racing_line
      - replay_system
    suggested_stack:
      - "Custom vehicle physics or engine-provided vehicle controller"
      - "Spline-based track and AI path definition"
      - "Ghost replay via input or transform recording"
      - "Multiple camera modes (chase, cockpit, replay)"

# Quality attribute patterns
quality_attributes:
  high_framerate:
    triggers:
      - "60 FPS"
      - "120 FPS"
      - "low latency"
      - "performance critical"
      - "competitive"
      - "VR"
    architectural_needs:
      - frame_budget_allocation
      - profiling_pipeline
      - object_pooling
      - batching_strategy
      - gc_pressure_management

  cross_platform:
    triggers:
      - "cross-platform"
      - "PC and console"
      - "mobile and desktop"
      - "multi-platform"
      - "Nintendo Switch"
      - "Steam Deck"
    architectural_needs:
      - input_abstraction_layer
      - resolution_scaling
      - platform_capability_detection
      - build_pipeline_per_platform
      - platform_specific_apis

  scalable_multiplayer:
    triggers:
      - "MMO"
      - "hundreds of players"
      - "massively multiplayer"
      - "persistent world"
      - "server scaling"
    architectural_needs:
      - server_fleet_management
      - interest_management
      - database_sharding
      - zone_instancing
      - load_balancing

  mod_support:
    triggers:
      - "modding"
      - "user-generated content"
      - "UGC"
      - "mod support"
      - "workshop"
      - "custom content"
    architectural_needs:
      - data_driven_architecture
      - asset_loading_abstraction
      - scripting_api
      - sandboxed_execution
      - content_validation

  accessibility:
    triggers:
      - "accessibility"
      - "colorblind"
      - "subtitles"
      - "remappable controls"
      - "difficulty options"
      - "assist mode"
    architectural_needs:
      - input_remapping_system
      - text_scaling_and_narration
      - color_palette_alternatives
      - difficulty_modifier_system
      - settings_persistence

# Game service integration patterns
integration_requirements:
  player_services:
    common_choices:
      - "Steam API - PC standard (achievements, leaderboards, matchmaking)"
      - "PlayFab - cross-platform backend services"
      - "Epic Online Services - free cross-platform (auth, lobbies, voice)"
      - "GameSparks or AccelByte - full-featured game backend"
      - "Engine-native (Unity Gaming Services, Unreal Online Subsystem)"
    considerations:
      - platform_requirements
      - cross_platform_needs
      - cost_at_scale
      - feature_completeness

  monetization:
    common_choices:
      - "Steam IAP - PC purchases and DLC"
      - "Platform stores - console-mandated (PSN, Xbox, Nintendo)"
      - "Unity IAP or Godot IAP plugins - mobile"
      - "Custom storefront - web-based games"
    considerations:
      - platform_revenue_share
      - regional_pricing
      - refund_policies
      - receipt_validation

  analytics_telemetry:
    common_choices:
      - "Unity Analytics or Unreal Insights - engine-native"
      - "GameAnalytics - free tier, game-focused"
      - "Amplitude or Mixpanel - product analytics"
      - "Custom telemetry with time-series database"
    considerations:
      - privacy_compliance
      - data_granularity
      - real_time_vs_batch
      - cost_per_event

  voice_chat:
    common_choices:
      - "Vivox - industry standard (Unity/Unreal integration)"
      - "Discord SDK - community-focused"
      - "Photon Voice - Photon ecosystem"
      - "Epic Online Services voice"
    considerations:
      - platform_compatibility
      - spatial_audio_support
      - moderation_tools
      - bandwidth_overhead

  cloud_saves:
    common_choices:
      - "Steam Cloud - PC standard"
      - "Platform cloud (PSN, Xbox, iCloud)"
      - "PlayFab or custom backend - cross-platform"
      - "Engine services (Unity Cloud Save)"
    considerations:
      - conflict_resolution
      - save_size_limits
      - offline_support
      - migration_between_versions

  anti_cheat:
    common_choices:
      - "Easy Anti-Cheat - widely adopted, free for some engines"
      - "BattlEye - AAA standard"
      - "Custom server authority - indie/small scale"
      - "VAC - Steam-integrated"
    considerations:
      - server_authority_level
      - client_trust_model
      - performance_impact
      - platform_support

# Decision heuristics
decision_rules:
  engine_selection:
    if_requirements_include:
      - 3d_high_fidelity: "Unreal Engine"
      - 2d_focused: "Godot or Unity"
      - cross_platform_mobile: "Unity or Godot"
      - open_source_priority: "Godot"
      - aaa_pipeline: "Unreal Engine"
      - rapid_prototype: "Godot"
      - web_browser_target: "Godot (HTML5), Phaser, or PlayCanvas"
      - vr_xr: "Unity (XR Toolkit) or Unreal (OpenXR)"
      - roblox_platform_target: "Roblox Studio — platform handles deployment, networking, and avatar system"

  networking_model:
    if_requirements_include:
      - competitive_pvp: "Dedicated servers with rollback or server reconciliation"
      - cooperative_pve: "Host-migration capable peer-to-peer or listen servers"
      - turn_based: "Client-server REST/WebSocket with authoritative state"
      - mmo_scale: "Dedicated server fleet with spatial partitioning"
      - local_multiplayer: "Shared-screen input splitting (no networking)"

  physics_solution:
    if_requirements_include:
      - standard_3d: "Engine-native physics (PhysX, Jolt, Godot 3D)"
      - deterministic_required: "Custom fixed-point or deterministic physics library"
      - 2d_platformer: "Custom character controller with raycasts"
      - vehicle_sim: "Specialized vehicle physics (engine-provided or custom)"
      - destruction: "Engine destructibles or Chaos (Unreal) / custom solution"

  audio_solution:
    if_requirements_include:
      - simple_sfx: "Engine-native audio system"
      - adaptive_music: "FMOD or Wwise middleware"
      - spatial_3d_audio: "Engine spatial audio or middleware (Wwise Spatial)"
      - large_sound_library: "FMOD or Wwise for memory management and streaming"
      - procedural_audio: "Custom DSP or middleware with scripting"

  ai_approach:
    if_requirements_include:
      - simple_enemies: "Finite state machines"
      - complex_behaviors: "Behavior trees"
      - emergent_ai: "Utility AI or GOAP (Goal-Oriented Action Planning)"
      - large_scale_rts: "Hierarchical AI with strategic and tactical layers"
      - companion_npcs: "Behavior trees with context awareness"
      - open_world_npcs: "Scheduler-based AI with daily routines"

  save_system:
    if_requirements_include:
      - simple_progress: "Key-value storage (PlayerPrefs, config files)"
      - complex_world_state: "Serialized scene graph with versioned schema"
      - cloud_sync: "Platform cloud saves with local fallback"
      - roguelike_runs: "Run state snapshot with permadeath logic"
      - sandbox_world: "Chunk-based world serialization"