Game Systems Code Review

Game Systems Code Review

Overview

Perform focused code reviews for game/​engine systems, emphasizing correctness, performance, threading safety, and adherence to AGENTS.md standards.

Workflow

1. Intake and scope

• Ask for the diff/​PR scope if not provided, or identify it via git diff/​targeted files.
• Confirm the standards source: read AGENTS.md in the repo root for required patterns and constraints.
• Identify the subsystem(s) involved (engine loop, AI, input, resource, world, etc.).

2. Review focus areas (Game Systems Engineer lens)

• Correctness and regressions: fixed timestep behavior, update/​render sequencing, deterministic ordering.
• Threading and safety: no background rendering, no static vars in threaded code, ThreadSystem usage.
• Performance: avoid per-frame allocations, reuse buffers, reserve capacity, batch where expected.
• API and ownership: std::string_view vs std::string, RAII, smart pointers, lifetime safety.
• Consistency with architecture: manager patterns, buffer swaps, event batching, camera usage.
• Platform pitfalls: SDL subsystem cleanup pattern, cross-platform guards, SDL boundary usage.
• Style and naming: Allman braces, C++20, naming conventions, header/​inline rules.

3. Findings output format

Use a code-review-first response:

• Findings ordered by severity with file/​line references.
• Call out behavior regressions, race risks, or perf traps before style issues.
• If no findings, say so explicitly and mention remaining risks or testing gaps.
• Include open questions/​assumptions after findings.
• Provide a brief change summary only after findings.

4. Testing suggestions

Recommend targeted tests relevant to the changes (unit, system, or scripts). Do not run tests unless asked.

Notes

• Prefer minimal, concrete recommendations over broad refactors.
• Avoid modifying code; focus on review and guidance.
• If the user only says “review my changes,” ask which files/​PR or use git diff to scope.