Definition
In a server-authoritative design, the game server owns the state that matters: inventory, currency, scores, match results. The client sends intent, such as "buy this item" or "I hit this target", and the server validates the request and applies the result. The client shows what the server returns. Values the client holds are copies, not the truth.
Relevance
The player controls their device, so a value the client computes can be changed before it is shown or sent. A local coin count can be edited. The count stored on the server cannot. Server authority keeps inventory, currency, and match results on the side the player does not control.
Example
A player edits their local gold from 100 to 999999. The shop UI shows the new number. The purchase request still goes to the server, which only sees 100 gold and rejects it.
Connected
Synonyms
Authoritative server, Server-side validation