starwards-colyseus

Real-time state synchronization with Colyseus uses server-authoritative architecture where the server maintains a single source of truth. Define your state schema with `@gameField` decorators, and Colyseus automatically broadcasts changes to all connected clients, eliminating manual sync logic and desynchronization bugs.

The `@gameField` decorator marks properties for automatic state synchronization in Colyseus rooms. Apply it to typed schema fields to enable selective synchronization; Colyseus handles type checking and client updates. Correct usage prevents common pitfalls like untracked mutations and type mismatches.

Organize rooms hierarchically—AdminRoom, SpaceRoom, ShipRoom—each with typed schemas and `@gameField` decorators. Clients send commands as JSON Pointer objects; the server validates and applies them, maintaining a single source of truth. This ensures predictable, high-performance multiplayer behavior across all players.

Yes. Colyseus eliminates desynchronization by centralizing state on the server and automatically syncing typed schema changes to clients over WebSocket. The framework handles conflict resolution and command flow, reducing the burden of manual state management in multiplayer systems.

Use test harnesses to simulate server-authoritative state changes and client commands. Define your schema with `@gameField`, send typed Commands from test clients, and verify state propagation. This validates synchronization behavior before deployment without manual client testing.

Clients send typed Commands as requests; the server receives them, validates, and updates its authoritative state schema. Only the server's state changes are broadcast via `@gameField` decorators. This separation prevents client-side mutations from corrupting shared state.