Overview
The Client-Side Prediction (CSP) system is designed to provide a seamless and responsive multiplayer experience by predicting game states locally on the client. This system is built around a modular architecture that allows for flexible and extensible design, enabling systems that behave as if the game were single-player, while still synchronizing with the server automatically.
Key Components
PredictionManager:
Acts as the central "world" for client-side prediction.
Manages all predicted entities and systems.
Handles the lifecycle of predicted states, including prediction, reconciliation, and view updates.
PredictedIdentity:
Unity components that define the behavior of predicted entities.
Created by users to handle specific functionalities, such as movement, physics, or custom logic.
PredictedHierarchy:
Provides a prediction compatible version of Unity's Instantiate and Destroy methods.
Design Philosophy
Decoupled from Traditional Networking:
This system is completely disconnected from the usual
NetworkIdentitysetup.RPCs (Remote Procedure Calls) are not supported or needed in this architecture, as prediction handles state synchronization naturally.
Logic is executed locally on the client, mimicking a single-player experience, while still maintaining consistency with the server.
This approach simplifies development, as developers can focus on writing game logic without worrying about networking intricacies.
Benefits
Responsive Gameplay: Predictions provide immediate feedback to the player, reducing the perceived latency.
Modularity: Systems can be easily added or modified, allowing for flexible and scalable game design.
Consistency: Reconciliation ensures that the client’s state aligns with the server’s authoritative state, maintaining a consistent game world.
Limitations
Prediction Errors: Incorrect predictions may require corrections, which can occasionally result in visual "snapping" or adjustments.
Complexity: While the system simplifies networking, it introduces new challenges in managing predicted states and reconciliation.
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