Overview
MCFireworkshow is an open-source Minecraft server plugin written in Kotlin that automates complex, tick-accurate firework displays and synchronized visual effects. Developed for the 8-Bit Community New Year celebration, it replaces brittle command-block chains with a structured, configuration-driven show sequencer.
Tools & Technologies: Kotlin, Paper/Spigot API, EffectMaster API, YAML Configuration
Technical Contributions & Systems Breakdown
1. Tick-Synchronized Show Sequencer
- Frame & Action Scheduler: Engineered a deterministic tick scheduler capable of executing multi-layered cue frames across a timeline without drifting under server load.
- Production Show Metrics:
- Total Keyframes: 258 synchronized frames
- Total Scheduled Actions: 314 individual effect and firework cues
- Show Duration: 3,160 server ticks (2 minutes 38 seconds)
- Configuration Schema: Designed a structured configuration format for defining firework payloads, coordinates, timings, and effect triggers (View Sample Show Config).
2. Third-Party Effect Integration
- EffectMaster Hook: Integrated the EffectMaster API to trigger external particle fountains and stage effects in lockstep with custom firework launches.
Evolution & 2025 Architecture Rewrite
Following the deployment of this plugin, I expanded the roadmap to include a GUI-based show editor, granular particle emitters, and laser beams via SkytAsul's GuardianBeam. Those features were subsequently engineered in the full 2025 rewrite: Minecraft Firework Show Plugin (2025).
Direct Impact
- Reliable Live Event Execution: Eliminated manual redstone/script timing errors during live community broadcasts, delivering a repeatable, lag-free New Year spectacle.
- Open-Source Distribution: Published on Modrinth and GitHub for other server administrators to run custom shows.