InGen Genes

Project Overview: InGen Genes

InGen Genes is a multi-loader Minecraft mod that introduces a complex, genetics-based dinosaur ecosystem to the game. Built for both Fabric and NeoForge, the mod moves beyond standard mob spawning by implementing a custom genetic architecture that dictates the physical and biological traits of the entities.

Technical Architecture & How It Works

• Cross-Loader Compatibility: The mod is compiled as a universal .jar, utilizing platform-specific implementations (InGenGenesFabric and InGenGenesNeo) alongside a shared common codebase. Client-side setups and registries are abstracted to ensure parity across both modding APIs.

• The Genetics System: The core logic is driven by a custom genetics engine.

  • The GeneRegistry and DNAManager classes handle the backend logic for parsing and storing genetic data.

  • Traits are defined down to the Allele level, and the GeneExpression class calculates the phenotypic output. This determines the dinosaur's gender (Male/Female) and its specific environmental adaptation.

• Dynamic Phenotypes & Rendering: Instead of registering separate entities for every color, the mod dynamically applies textures based on genetic expression. Every dinosaur species (e.g., Ankylosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Tyrannosaurus, Velociraptor) features 14 distinct environmental variants (Arid, Coastal, Jungle, Savanna, etc.).

• Gameplay Loop: Players interact with the backend genetics system using custom items. The extraction process begins with an amber_fragment to obtain a dna_strand, and players can manipulate genetic material using a gene_syringe.

Development Roadmap & Future Plans

Moving forward, the architectural focus will be on expanding the genetic data structures and entity AI:

1. Advanced Gene Splicing GUI: Development of a custom client-side interface to visualize the GeneRegistry data, allowing players to selectively splice dominant and recessive alleles to breed specific variants.

2. Trait-Driven Behavioral AI: Expanding the BaseDinoEntity class to link genetic traits to AI Pathfinders and Goals. For example, a dinosaur with "Jungle" alleles might receive movement speed bonuses in dense foliage, while "Highland" variants might have better pathfinding over steep terrain.

3. API Extensibility: Exposing the GeneRegistry and DNAManager classes as a public API. This will allow other modders to inject their own custom alleles, traits, and mutations into the InGen Genes ecosystem seamlessly.

4. Tonnage & Growth Mechanics: Implementing a scaled growth system where specific genetic markers influence the maximum size and strength of the entity upon reaching adulthood.