- README: rewrite Difficulty section (per-network LEVELS ∝ block time, WOW=5min,
multi-level descent, corrected casino size); document game_event + depth in the
Socket.IO table.
- NEW docs/BALANCE_SIM.md: the block-timed edge math (exponential deadline), the
headless sim over the real engine, what it proved (size self-cancels, fast monster
fails on slow chains), and the per-network NETWORK_TUNING model.
- NEW docs/MULTI_LEVEL.md: descent mechanic, vault-only treasure, per-level
provably-fair seeding, config, file map, open polish.
- NEW docs/RENDER_PACKS.md: modes-vs-packs, the RK.fx layer, iso/tiled/zoom/cat.
- docs/ARCHITECTURE.md: mark the block-time-difficulty gotcha RESOLVED; add render
kit + balance/pacing sections and cross-links.
- docs/TODO.md: 2026-07 done/pending section.
Adds a complete block-cadence multiplayer race mode alongside solo and tavern.
Disabled by default; enable with MATCH_ENABLED=true.
Highlights:
- New shared engine: MatchRoom, MatchEngine, MatchState (transport-agnostic, unit-tested).
- Per-economy queues: free, credits_prestige, crypto_race with atomic escrow/refund.
- MatchScheduler drains queues on every new block and starts 2–32 player races.
- MatchManager handles Socket.IO lifecycle, server-authoritative movement, reconnect grace,
forfeit/AFK handling, and end-of-match persistence.
- Crypto races use race-entry tickets (grants.race_entries) to avoid on-chain refunds; winner
payout is queued through the existing batch payout/retry service.
- Leaderboard integration: free → Pleb, prestige → /api/leaderboard?board=prestige,
crypto → Hall of Champions.
- Tavern integration: Queue for Race panel, active race list, and live spectator rendering.
- Dedicated /match.html client with economy selector, race HUD, and post-match scoreboard.
- Migration 022 adds matches, match_entrants, match_events, match_queue_entries,
race_entry_transactions, users.race_entries, and payouts.match_id.
Docs:
- New docs/MATCH_MODE.md with full architecture, config, events, and operational notes.
- Updated README.md, docs/TAVERN_AND_MULTIPLAYER.md, docs/TODO.md, src/.env.example,
and src/.env.
Tests: 40 new unit tests across 7 suites, all passing.
Known follow-ups for real-world validation:
- Full integration test with Postgres + Socket.IO.
- Server boot check with MATCH_ENABLED=false (default) to ensure solo/tavern remain unaffected.
- Browser render-kit verification in /match.html and tavern spectator.
- Crypto-race payout end-to-end with real wallet-rpc.
jwinterm