Gilded Dominion — Major Backend Optimization
Yesterday I deployed a major performance optimization for Gilded Dominion’s ALPHA.
The update reduces unnecessary PostgreSQL data transfers and improves background polling. Previously, frequently refreshed pages could repeatedly read more historical data than necessary, especially as player accounts grew.
The new system includes:
- Estimated PostgreSQL data reduction of 93–96% for smaller accounts
- Up to 99.97–99.98% reduction for accounts with larger histories
- Polling stops when the browser tab is hidden
- Page-specific polling stops after leaving that section
- Duplicate and overlapping requests are prevented
- Messages no longer download full conversations while closed
- Marketplace history now uses pagination
- Expired sessions share one token refresh
The update passed 85 targeted tests and 50 native PostgreSQL tests before deployment. ALPHA testing confirmed that login, Events, Messages, Social Status, Employment, Education, Real Estate, Gardening, Livestock and Marketplace still work correctly.
No player balances, inventories or historical records were manually changed, and no database migration was needed.
The optimization is now live. Local benchmarks show a major improvement, but I’m still monitoring real Supabase usage before confirming the final production savings.
Gilded Dominion is a persistent browser-based economy and society simulator set in a fictional America beginning in 1866.
Play the ALPHA: https://gildeddominion.com
Feedback about performance, navigation, onboarding and the first hour is welcome!