Overthrow Architecture

Quick reference for Overthrow mod-specific patterns and conventions. For detailed patterns, see resource files below.

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When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when:

• Creating new Manager or Controller components
• Understanding Overthrow's architecture patterns
• Following project naming conventions
• Organizing code in the correct directories
• Accessing global systems via OVT_Global
• Setting up new features or systems

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Quick Reference

Manager Components

Singleton components on OVT_OverthrowGameMode managing entire systems. Use GetInstance() pattern with static s_Instance. Init() and PostGameStart() called manually by game mode.

See: managers.md for complete manager patterns

Controller Components

Non-singleton components managing individual entities (bases, towns, camps). Register with manager in constructor. Multiple instances can exist simultaneously.

See: controllers.md for complete controller patterns

OVT_Global Access

Central static class providing easy access to all manager singletons. Use OVT_Global.GetSomething() instead of calling GetInstance() directly. Cleaner and more consistent.

See: global-access.md for access patterns

OVT_OverthrowController

The modular architecture for client-server communication, and since 2026-08-14 the ONLY one. Each player owns a controller entity carrying 17 specialized components, reached with OVT_ControllerComponent<T>.Get(). The legacy comms monolith it replaced is deleted. Built-in progress tracking support.

See: overthrow-controller.md for complete pattern

File Organization

Scripts in Scripts/Game/, configs in Configs/, prefabs in Prefabs/. Specific subdirectories for Components, GameMode, Entities, Controllers, UI, UserActions.

See: file-structure.md for directory structure

Coding Standards

OVT_ class prefix, m_ member prefix, type prefixes (m_i, m_f, m_s, m_b, m_a, m_m). Doxygen-style comments. Getters/setters for protected members.

See: coding-standards.md for complete conventions

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Critical Conventions

• ✅ OVT_ prefix - All Overthrow classes start with OVT_
• ✅ Managers are singletons - One instance per game mode
• ✅ Controllers are instances - Multiple instances per entity type
• ✅ Use OVT_Global - For accessing managers (not direct GetInstance())
• ✅ Use OverthrowController - For new client→server operations (not PlayerCommsComponent)
• ✅ Register in constructor - Controllers register with managers
• ✅ Protected members - Use getters/setters for external access
• ⚠️ Init() not automatic - Called manually by game mode or manager
• ✅ Type prefixes - m_i for int, m_f for float, m_s for string, etc.

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Architecture Hierarchy

OVT_OverthrowGameMode (entity)
├── OVT_SomeManagerComponent (singleton)
│   ├── Manages multiple controllers
│   └── Global system state
└── OVT_AnotherManagerComponent (singleton)
    └── Manages different system

Entity in World
└── OVT_SomeControllerComponent (instance)
    ├── Manages this specific entity
    └── Registered with relevant manager

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Resource Files

Detailed documentation organized by concern:

1. managers.md - Singleton manager pattern, GetInstance, Init, PostGameStart
2. controllers.md - Instance controllers, registration, lifecycle
3. overthrow-controller.md - NEW: Modular controller pattern for client-server operations
4. global-access.md - OVT_Global patterns, accessing managers/systems
5. file-structure.md - Project directory organization and file placement
6. coding-standards.md - Naming conventions, documentation style, best practices

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Common Patterns

Creating a Manager

1. Extend OVT_Component
2. Add corresponding OVT_ComponentClass
3. Implement static s_Instance and GetInstance()
4. Add Init() and PostGameStart() if needed
5. Place component on OVT_OverthrowGameMode prefab
6. Add accessor to OVT_Global

Creating a Controller

1. Extend OVT_Component
2. Add corresponding OVT_ComponentClass
3. Register with manager in constructor
4. Use protected members with getters/setters
5. Attach to entity prefab or spawn at runtime

Accessing Systems

1. Use OVT_Global.GetManager() for managers
2. Use OVT_Global.GetController() for local controller
3. Use OVT_Global.GetUI() for UI manager
4. Use OVT_Global.GetPlayers() for player management
5. Always check for null before using

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Pattern: Start here for quick reference, dive into resource files for implementation details.