multiplayer character synchronised

Author: gcclinux

README.md

@@ -18,9 +18,9 @@ The goal was simple yet audacious: **build a complete, enjoyable multiplayer gam
 
 <div align="center">
 
-### Initial Character selection idea
-![Latest 0.0.21](/www/images/Character-selection-birds-rain-puddle.png)
-*Initial charcter selection design idea also featuring birds, rain and puddles system*
+### Multi Character selection
+![Latest 0.0.25](screenshots/multi-character-selection.png)
+*New multi character selection with multiplayer synchronisation*
 
 </div>
 

docs/SCREENSHOTS.md

@@ -2,6 +2,10 @@ SOme screenshots are older the idea is to start adding them based on their versi
 
 <div align="center">
 
+### Multi Character selection
+![Latest 0.0.25](../screenshots/multi-character-selection.png)
+*New multi character selection with multiplayer synchronisation*
+
 ### Initial Character selection idea
 ![Latest 0.0.21](../www/images/Character-selection-birds-rain-puddle.png)
 *Initial charcter selection design idea allowing player to select different characters*

screenshots/multi-character-selection.png

@@ -0,0 +1,77 @@
+# Character Sprite Synchronization Test
+
+## What Was Fixed
+
+1. **PlayerConfig Persistence**: Character selection is now saved to PlayerConfig (woodlanders.json) so it persists across game sessions
+2. **Initial Connection**: When a new player joins, they now receive PlayerJoinMessages for all existing players with their correct character sprites
+3. **Character Updates**: When a player changes their character and saves, the update is broadcast to all other players
+4. **Remote Player Updates**: RemotePlayers are now properly updated (disposed and recreated) when character sprites change
+5. **World State Sync**: After sending world state, server sends individual character sprite updates for all existing players
+
+## Test Scenarios
+
+### Scenario 1: Both Players Join Fresh
+1. Player A selects "girl_walnut_start.png" in character selection
+2. Player A starts/joins server
+3. Player B selects "boy_green_start.png" in character selection  
+4. Player B joins server
+5. **Expected**: Player A sees Player B as green boy, Player B sees Player A as walnut girl
+
+### Scenario 2: Player Joins Existing Game
+1. Player A (walnut girl) is already in game
+2. Player B (green boy) joins
+3. **Expected**: Both players see each other with correct sprites
+
+### Scenario 3: Player Changes Character Mid-Game
+1. Both players in game
+2. Player A opens menu → Player Profile → Choose Character
+3. Player A selects "girl_red_start.png"
+4. Player A clicks "Save Player"
+5. **Expected**: 
+   - Player A sees their own sprite change to red girl
+   - Player B sees Player A change to red girl
+
+## Debug Output to Look For
+
+When testing, check console for these messages:
+
+**On Client Connect:**
+```
+[CLIENT] My selected character sprite: girl_walnut_start.png
+[CLIENT] Sent player info to server: Player_abc123, sprite: girl_walnut_start.png
+```
+
+**On Server:**
+```
+[SERVER] Updated character sprite for abc123: girl_walnut_start.png
+[SERVER] Broadcasting character update to other clients: girl_walnut_start.png
+[SERVER] Sending character sprite to new client: Player_xyz789 -> boy_green_start.png
+```
+
+**On Other Clients:**
+```
+[CLIENT] Creating new remote player: Player_abc123 with sprite: girl_walnut_start.png
+[CLIENT] Updating character sprite for Player_abc123 to girl_walnut_start.png
+```
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+If sprites still show as navy:
+
+1. **Check PlayerConfig**: Make sure character selection is being saved
+   - Look for `woodlanders.json` in config directory
+   - Should contain: `"selectedCharacter": "girl_walnut_start.png"`
+
+2. **Check Console Output**: Look for the debug messages above
+   - If you don't see "[CLIENT] My selected character sprite:", the character isn't being loaded from config
+   - If you don't see "[SERVER] Updated character sprite:", the server isn't receiving the message
+
+3. **Check Sprite Files**: Verify the sprite files exist:
+   - `assets/sprites/player/girl_walnut_start.png`
+   - `assets/sprites/player/boy_green_start.png`
+   - etc.
+
+4. **Timing Issue**: If sprites are wrong initially but correct after character change:
+   - This is expected - the initial world state uses defaults
+   - The PlayerInfoMessage updates should arrive within 1 second
+   - If they don't, there may be a network delay issue