serverConnection - Client-Server Connection Manager

Reference for serverConnection.lua. Manages the local client-server connection lifecycle, handling disconnects and the transition from loading to gameplay-ready state.

Exports

Internals

onCameraHandlerSetInitial()

Called once when the camera handler is first set after level load:

1. Enables cursor-hide-on-inactive for the canvas.
2. Sets worldReadyState = 1 (waiting for vehicle materials to finish rendering).
3. Fires onWorldReadyState hook.

The transition from state 1→2 happens in luaPreRender (in main.lua) once vehicle materials are ready or a 5-second timeout elapses.

disconnectActual(callback, loadingScreen, profiler)

Full disconnect sequence:

1. be:physicsStopSimulation() - halt physics
2. Re-enable cursor visibility on canvas
3. Clear lighting mission variables
4. server.destroy() - destroy level, physics world, datablocks
5. Clear mission filename
6. Exit loading screen if applicable
7. Execute callback if provided

disconnect(callback, loadingScreen)

Wrapper that optionally enters a loading screen before disconnecting. Uses core_gamestate.requestEnterLoadingScreen for managed transition.

How It Works

BeamNG uses a local client-server architecture even in single-player. This module manages that connection's lifecycle. The key transition point is onCameraHandlerSetInitial, which signals that the level is loaded enough for the camera/player to become active. Disconnect tears down everything via the server module.

-- Disconnect and return to menu
serverConnection.disconnect(function()
  core_gamestate.requestGameState()
end)

-- Quick disconnect during shutdown (no loading screen)
serverConnection.noLoadingScreenDisconnect()