Definition
A design pattern that models a system as a finite set of states and the transitions allowed between them. At any moment the system is in exactly one state, and it can only move to another through a predefined transition — anything else simply cannot happen. That makes impossible states unrepresentable by construction, which is why the pattern shines in turn-based game logic and any flow with clear phases.
Relationships
Concepts linked to this one by a real relationship in the glossary. Hover over each one to see why it's related.