Configuration System

The simulation uses a modular configuration system that allows balancing parameters to be tweaked without code changes.

Configuration Categories

Category	Mutability	Description
WorldConfig	Immutable	Grid size, entity pool sizes, seed
AgentConfig	Runtime	Agent balance (metabolism, reproduction, movement, combat)
PlantConfig	Runtime	Plant balance (photosynthesis, reproduction, aging)
BrainAIConfig	Runtime	Neural network and instinct parameters
GeneticsConfig	Partial	Mutation rate (mutable), genome structure (immutable)

Example Configuration

{
  "world": {
    "gridHeight": 96,
    "gridWidth": 170,
    "cellSize": 13,
    "agentPoolSize": 906,
    "plantPoolSize": 2040,
    "structurePoolSize": 510,
    "seed": 64
  },
  "agent": {
    "reproductionOverheadPct": 0.30,
    "baseMetabolismRate": 0.01,
    "maturityAge": 600,
    "reproductionCooldownFrames": 600
  },
  "plant": {
    "photosynthesisRate": 0.50,
    "shrivelRate": 0.40,
    "maturityAge": 600
  },
  "brain": {
    "hiddenNeuronDecayFactor": 0.5,
    "feedingInstinctThreshold": 0.6,
    "reproductionInstinctThreshold": 0.9
  },
  "genetics": {
    "genomeLength": 512,
    "traitGeneCount": 14,
    "mutationRate": 0.001
  },
  "framesPerSecond": 60.0
}

Loading Custom Config

dotnet run --project src/Simulation/Vivarium.csproj -c Release -- --config myconfig.json