diff --git a/code/__DEFINES/_protect.dm b/code/__DEFINES/_protect.dm
index dbe25203c0b..22fad2f6385 100644
--- a/code/__DEFINES/_protect.dm
+++ b/code/__DEFINES/_protect.dm
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-///Protects a datum from being VV'd
+///Protects a datum from being VV'd or spawned through admin manipulation
 #define GENERAL_PROTECT_DATUM(Path)\
 ##Path/can_vv_get(var_name){\
 	return FALSE;\
@@ -8,4 +8,10 @@
 }\
 ##Path/CanProcCall(procname){\
 	return FALSE;\
+}\
+##Path/Read(savefile/savefile){\
+	qdel(src);\
+}\
+##Path/Write(savefile/savefile){\
+	return;\
 }
diff --git a/code/__DEFINES/logging.dm b/code/__DEFINES/logging.dm
index d086fa2ae62..9cfe197c0ca 100644
--- a/code/__DEFINES/logging.dm
+++ b/code/__DEFINES/logging.dm
@@ -55,24 +55,95 @@
 #define LOGSRC_MOB "Mob"
 
 // Log header keys
-#define LOG_HEADER_CATEGORY "category"
-#define LOG_HEADER_INIT_TIMESTAMP "timestamp"
-#define LOG_HEADER_ROUND_ID "round_id"
-
-// Log data keys
-#define LOG_ENTRY_MESSAGE "message"
-#define LOG_ENTRY_TIMESTAMP "timestamp"
-#define LOG_ENTRY_DATA "data"
+#define LOG_HEADER_CATEGORY "cat"
+#define LOG_HEADER_CATEGORY_LIST "cat-list"
+#define LOG_HEADER_INIT_TIMESTAMP "ts"
+#define LOG_HEADER_ROUND_ID "round-id"
+#define LOG_HEADER_SECRET "secret"
 
 // Log json keys
-#define LOG_JSON_CATEGORY "category"
+#define LOG_JSON_CATEGORY "cat"
 #define LOG_JSON_ENTRIES "entries"
-#define LOG_JSON_LOGGING_START "log_start"
+#define LOG_JSON_LOGGING_START "log-start"
 
-// Log categories
-#define LOG_CATEGORY_NOT_FOUND "invalid_category"
-#define LOG_CATEGORY_TARGET_ZONE_SWITCH "target_zone_switch"
+// Category for invalid/missing categories
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_NOT_FOUND "invalid-category"
+
+// Misc categories
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_ATTACK "attack"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_CONFIG "config"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_DYNAMIC "dynamic"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_ECONOMY "economy"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_FILTER "filter"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_MANIFEST "manifest"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_MECHA "mecha"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_PAPER "paper"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_RUNTIME "runtime"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_SHUTTLE "shuttle"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_SILICON "silicon"
 #define LOG_CATEGORY_SILO "silo"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_SIGNAL "signal"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_SPEECH_INDICATOR "speech-indiciator"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_SUSPICIOUS_LOGIN "supicious-login"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_TARGET_ZONE_SWITCH "target-zone-switch"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_TELECOMMS "telecomms"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_TOOL "tool"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_VIRUS "virus"
+
+// Admin categories
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_ADMIN "admin"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_ADMIN_CIRCUIT "admin-circuit"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_ADMIN_DSAY "admin-dsay"
+
+// Admin private categories
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_ADMIN_PRIVATE "adminprivate"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_ADMIN_PRIVATE_ASAY "adminprivate-asay"
+
+// Debug categories
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG "debug"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_ASSET "debug-asset"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_HREF "debug-href"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_JOB "debug-job"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_LUA "debug-lua"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_MAPPING "debug-mapping"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_MOBTAG "debug-mobtag"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_QDEL "debug-qdel"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_SQL "debug-sql"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_TGUI "debug-tgui"
+
+// Compatibility categories, for when stuff is changed and you need existing functionality to work
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_COMPAT_GAME "game-compat"
+
+// Game categories
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_GAME "game"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_ACCESS "game-access"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_EMOTE "game-emote"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_INTERNET_REQUEST "game-internet-request"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_OOC "game-ooc"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_PRAYER "game-prayer"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_RADIO_EMOTE "game-radio-emote"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_SAY "game-say"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_TOPIC "game-topic"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_TRAITOR "game-traitor"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_VOTE "game-vote"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_WHISPER "game-whisper"
+
+// Uplink categories
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_UPLINK "uplink"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_UPLINK_CHANGELING "uplink-changeling"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_UPLINK_HERETIC "uplink-heretic"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_UPLINK_MALF "uplink-malf"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_UPLINK_SPELL "uplink-spell"
+
+// PDA categories
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_PDA "pda"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_PDA_CHAT "pda-chat"
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_PDA_COMMENT "pda-comment"
+
+#define SCHEMA_VERSION "schema-version"
+
+// Default log schema version
+#define LOG_CATEGORY_SCHEMA_VERSION_NOT_SET "0.0.1"
 
 //wrapper macros for easier grepping
 #define DIRECT_OUTPUT(A, B) A << B
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/files.dm b/code/__HELPERS/files.dm
index 12ae584db5f..c773b8e9b76 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/files.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/files.dm
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
  */
 GLOBAL_VAR_INIT(fileaccess_timer, 0)
 
-/client/proc/browse_files(root_type=BROWSE_ROOT_ALL_LOGS, max_iterations=10, list/valid_extensions=list("txt","log","htm", "html", "gz"))
+/client/proc/browse_files(root_type=BROWSE_ROOT_ALL_LOGS, max_iterations=10, list/valid_extensions=list("txt","log","htm", "html", "gz", "json"))
 	// wow why was this ever a parameter
 	var/root = "data/logs/"
 	switch(root_type)
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/_logging.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/_logging.dm
index c1e65aad4d2..6e2f7cd0773 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/_logging.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/_logging.dm
@@ -10,6 +10,31 @@
 	msg = "## NOTICE: [msg]"
 	log_world(msg)
 
+#define SET_SERIALIZATION_SEMVER(semver_list, semver) semver_list[type] = semver
+#define CHECK_SERIALIZATION_SEMVER(wanted, actual) (__check_serialization_semver(wanted, actual))
+
+/// Checks if the actual semver is equal or later than the wanted semver
+/// Must be passed as TEXT; you're probably looking for CHECK_SERIALIZATION_SEMVER, look right above
+/proc/__check_serialization_semver(wanted, actual)
+	if(wanted == actual)
+		return TRUE
+
+	var/list/wanted_versions = semver_to_list(wanted)
+	var/list/actual_versions = semver_to_list(actual)
+
+	if(!wanted_versions || !actual_versions)
+		stack_trace("Invalid semver string(s) passed to __check_serialization_semver: '[wanted]' and '[actual]'")
+		return FALSE
+
+	if(wanted_versions[1] != actual_versions[1])
+		return FALSE // major must always
+
+	if(wanted_versions[2] > actual_versions[2])
+		return FALSE // actual must be later than wanted
+
+	// patch is not checked
+	return TRUE
+
 //print a testing-mode debug message to world.log and world
 #ifdef TESTING
 #define testing(msg) log_world("## TESTING: [msg]"); to_chat(world, "## TESTING: [msg]")
@@ -128,7 +153,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_INIT(testing_global_profiler, list("_PROFILE_NAME" = "Global"))
 /* Close open log handles. This should be called as late as possible, and no logging should hapen after. */
 /proc/shutdown_logging()
 	rustg_log_close_all()
-	GLOB.logger.shutdown_logging()
+	logger.shutdown_logging()
 
 /* Helper procs for building detailed log lines */
 /proc/key_name(whom, include_link = null, include_name = TRUE)
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/admin.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/admin.dm
index 6c659e4ea01..91f774c5346 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/admin.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/admin.dm
@@ -1,33 +1,36 @@
 /* Items with ADMINPRIVATE prefixed are stripped from public logs. */
 
+// For backwards compatibility these are currently also added to LOG_CATEGORY_GAME with their respective prefix
+// This is to avoid breaking any existing tools that rely on the old format, but should be removed in the future
+
 /// General logging for admin actions
-/proc/log_admin(text)
+/proc/log_admin(text, list/data)
 	GLOB.admin_activities.Add(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_admin))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "ADMIN: [text]")
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_ADMIN, text, data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_COMPAT_GAME, "ADMIN: [text]")
 
 /// Logging for admin actions on or with circuits
-/proc/log_admin_circuit(text)
+/proc/log_admin_circuit(text, list/data)
 	GLOB.admin_activities.Add(text)
-	if(CONFIG_GET(flag/log_admin))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "ADMIN: CIRCUIT: [text]")
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_ADMIN_CIRCUIT, text, data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_COMPAT_GAME, "ADMIN: CIRCUIT: [text]")
 
 /// General logging for admin actions
-/proc/log_admin_private(text)
+/proc/log_admin_private(text, list/data)
 	GLOB.admin_activities.Add(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_admin))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "ADMINPRIVATE: [text]")
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_ADMIN_PRIVATE, text, data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_COMPAT_GAME, "ADMINPRIVATE: [text]")
 
 /// Logging for AdminSay (ASAY) messages
-/proc/log_adminsay(text)
+/proc/log_adminsay(text, list/data)
 	GLOB.admin_activities.Add(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_adminchat))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "ADMINPRIVATE: ASAY: [text]")
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_ADMIN_PRIVATE_ASAY, text, data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_COMPAT_GAME, "ADMINPRIVATE: ASAY: [text]")
 
 /// Logging for DeachatSay (DSAY) messages
-/proc/log_dsay(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_adminchat))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "ADMIN: DSAY: [text]")
+/proc/log_dsay(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_ADMIN_DSAY, text, data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_COMPAT_GAME, "ADMIN: DSAY: [text]")
 
 /**
  * Writes to a special log file if the log_suspicious_login config flag is set,
@@ -36,8 +39,7 @@
  * Mirrors this log entry to log_access when access_log_mirror is TRUE, so this proc
  * doesn't need to be used alongside log_access and can replace it where appropriate.
  */
-/proc/log_suspicious_login(text, access_log_mirror = TRUE)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_suspicious_login))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_suspicious_login_log, "SUSPICIOUS_ACCESS: [text]")
+/proc/log_suspicious_login(text, list/data, access_log_mirror = TRUE)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_SUSPICIOUS_LOGIN, text)
 	if(access_log_mirror)
 		log_access(text)
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/antagonists.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/antagonists.dm
index 38f88b3b4d6..3d06bb325ec 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/antagonists.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/antagonists.dm
@@ -1,29 +1,23 @@
 /// Logging for traitor objectives
-/proc/log_traitor(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_traitor))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "TRAITOR: [text]")
+/proc/log_traitor(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_TRAITOR, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for items purchased from a traitor uplink
-/proc/log_uplink(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_uplink))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_uplink_log, "UPLINK: [text]")
+/proc/log_uplink(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_UPLINK, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for upgrades purchased by a malfunctioning (or combat upgraded) AI
-/proc/log_malf_upgrades(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_uplink))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_uplink_log, "MALF UPGRADE: [text]")
+/proc/log_malf_upgrades(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_UPLINK_MALF, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for changeling powers purchased
-/proc/log_changeling_power(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_uplink))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_uplink_log, "CHANGELING: [text]")
+/proc/log_changeling_power(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_UPLINK_CHANGELING, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for heretic powers learned
-/proc/log_heretic_knowledge(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_uplink))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_uplink_log, "HERETIC RESEARCH: [text]")
+/proc/log_heretic_knowledge(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_UPLINK_HERETIC, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for wizard powers learned
-/proc/log_spellbook(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_uplink))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_uplink_log, "SPELLBOOK: [text]")
+/proc/log_spellbook(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_UPLINK_SPELL, text, data)
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/attack.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/attack.dm
index e804c07e9f0..598882a9ac1 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/attack.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/attack.dm
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 /// Generic attack logging
-/proc/log_attack(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_attack))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_attack_log, "ATTACK: [text]")
+/proc/log_attack(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_ATTACK, text)
 
 /**
  * Log a combat message in the attack log
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/debug.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/debug.dm
index e7ba69b1eb1..61b686811c8 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/debug.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/debug.dm
@@ -1,32 +1,30 @@
 /// Logging for loading and caching assets
-/proc/log_asset(text)
-	if(CONFIG_GET(flag/log_asset))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_asset_log, "ASSET: [text]")
+/proc/log_asset(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_ASSET, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for config errors
 /// Rarely gets called; just here in case the config breaks.
-/proc/log_config(text)
-	WRITE_LOG(GLOB.config_error_log, text)
+/proc/log_config(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_CONFIG, text, data)
 	SEND_TEXT(world.log, text)
 
-/proc/log_filter_raw(text)
-	WRITE_LOG(GLOB.filter_log, "FILTER: [text]")
+/proc/log_filter_raw(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_FILTER, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for job slot changes
-/proc/log_job_debug(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_job_debug))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_job_debug_log, "JOB: [text]")
+/proc/log_job_debug(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_JOB, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for lua scripting
-/proc/log_lua(text)
-	WRITE_LOG(GLOB.lua_log, text)
+/proc/log_lua(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_LUA, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for mapping errors
 /proc/log_mapping(text, skip_world_log)
 #ifdef UNIT_TESTS
 	GLOB.unit_test_mapping_logs += text
 #endif
-	WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_map_error_log, text)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_MAPPING, text)
 	if(skip_world_log)
 		return
 	SEND_TEXT(world.log, text)
@@ -37,31 +35,27 @@
 	WRITE_LOG_NO_FORMAT(GLOB.perf_log, .)
 
 /// Logging for hard deletes
-/proc/log_qdel(text)
-	WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_qdel_log, "QDEL: [text]")
-
-/// Logging for SQL errors
-/proc/log_query_debug(text)
-	WRITE_LOG(GLOB.query_debug_log, "SQL: [text]")
+/proc/log_qdel(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_QDEL, text, data)
 
 /* Log to the logfile only. */
-/proc/log_runtime(text)
-	WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_runtime_log, text)
+/proc/log_runtime(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_RUNTIME, text, data)
 
-/proc/log_signal(text)
-	WRITE_LOG(GLOB.signals_log, text)
+/proc/log_signal(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_SIGNAL, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for DB errors
-/proc/log_sql(text)
-	WRITE_LOG(GLOB.sql_error_log, "SQL: [text]")
+/proc/log_sql(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_SQL, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for world/Topic
-/proc/log_topic(text)
-	WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "TOPIC: [text]")
+/proc/log_topic(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_TOPIC, text, data)
 
 /// Log to both DD and the logfile.
-/proc/log_world(text)
+/proc/log_world(text, list/data)
 #ifdef USE_CUSTOM_ERROR_HANDLER
-	WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_runtime_log, text)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_RUNTIME, text, data)
 #endif
 	SEND_TEXT(world.log, text)
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/dynamic.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/dynamic.dm
index ff1f4fd1f7a..51bba86ca05 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/dynamic.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/dynamic.dm
@@ -4,5 +4,5 @@
 	log_dynamic("[text]")
 
 /// Logging for dynamic procs
-/proc/log_dynamic(text)
-	WRITE_LOG(GLOB.dynamic_log, "DYNAMIC: [text]")
+/proc/log_dynamic(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_DYNAMIC, text, data)
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/economy.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/economy.dm
index 8f190cb934c..59fb0eee3ed 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/economy.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/economy.dm
@@ -1,3 +1,2 @@
-/proc/log_econ(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_econ))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_econ_log, "MONEY: [text]")
+/proc/log_econ(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_ECONOMY, text, data)
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/game.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/game.dm
index 40fd458d1a9..fd0fb533d31 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/game.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/game.dm
@@ -1,40 +1,32 @@
 /// Logging for generic/unsorted game messages
-/proc/log_game(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_game))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "GAME: [text]")
+/proc/log_game(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_GAME, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for emotes
-/proc/log_emote(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_emote))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "EMOTE: [text]")
+/proc/log_emote(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_EMOTE, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for emotes sent over the radio
-/proc/log_radio_emote(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_emote))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "RADIOEMOTE: [text]")
+/proc/log_radio_emote(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_RADIO_EMOTE, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for messages sent in OOC
-/proc/log_ooc(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_ooc))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "OOC: [text]")
+/proc/log_ooc(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_OOC, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for prayed messages
-/proc/log_prayer(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_prayer))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "PRAY: [text]")
+/proc/log_prayer(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_PRAYER, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for music requests
-/proc/log_internet_request(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_internet_request))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "INTERNET REQUEST: [text]")
+/proc/log_internet_request(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_INTERNET_REQUEST, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for logging in & out of the game, with error messages.
-/proc/log_access(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_access))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "ACCESS: [text]")
+/proc/log_access(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_ACCESS, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for OOC votes
-/proc/log_vote(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_vote))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "VOTE: [text]")
+/proc/log_vote(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_VOTE, text, data)
 
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/manifest.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/manifest.dm
index 7275b1cc73d..6009195e411 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/manifest.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/manifest.dm
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 /// Logging for player manifest (ckey, name, job, special role, roundstart/latejoin)
 /proc/log_manifest(ckey, datum/mind/mind, mob/body, latejoin = FALSE)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_manifest))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_manifest_log, "[ckey] \\ [body.real_name] \\ [mind.assigned_role.title] \\ [mind.special_role ? mind.special_role : "NONE"] \\ [latejoin ? "LATEJOIN":"ROUNDSTART"]")
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_MANIFEST, "manifest entry added", list(
+		"mind" = mind, "body" = body, "latejoin" = latejoin
+	))
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/mecha.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/mecha.dm
index 45c6a445dd2..68c62bad8af 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/mecha.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/mecha.dm
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 /// Logging for mech actions
-/proc/log_mecha(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_mecha))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_mecha_log, "MECHA: [text]")
+/proc/log_mecha(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_MECHA, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for equipment installed in a mecha
 /obj/item/mecha_parts/mecha_equipment/log_message(message, message_type = LOG_MECHA, color = null, log_globally)
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/mob.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/mob.dm
index 02281ab54e1..a5951a9a524 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/mob.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/mob.dm
@@ -3,12 +3,11 @@
  * Arguments:
  * * text - text to log.
  */
-/mob/proc/log_mob_tag(text)
-	WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_mob_tag_log, "TAG: \[[tag]\] [text]")
+/mob/proc/log_mob_tag(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_MOBTAG, text, data)
 
-/proc/log_silicon(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_silicon))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_silicon_log, "SILICON: [text]")
+/proc/log_silicon(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_SILICON, text, data)
 
 
 /// Logs a message in a mob's individual log, and in the global logs as well if log_globally is true
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/paper.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/paper.dm
index b748faf217e..edd2835772b 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/paper.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/paper.dm
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 /// Logging for writing made on paper
-/proc/log_paper(text)
-	WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_paper_log, "PAPER: [text]")
+/proc/log_paper(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_PAPER, text, data)
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/pda.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/pda.dm
index 01c8d98d95a..acd5b611183 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/pda.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/pda.dm
@@ -1,16 +1,11 @@
 /// Logging for PDA messages sent
-/proc/log_pda(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_pda))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_pda_log, "PDA: [text]")
+/proc/log_pda(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_PDA, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for newscaster comments
-/proc/log_comment(text)
-	//reusing the PDA option because I really don't think news comments are worth a config option
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_pda))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_pda_log, "COMMENT: [text]")
+/proc/log_comment(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_PDA_COMMENT, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for chatting on modular computer channels
-/proc/log_chat(text)
-	//same thing here
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_pda))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_pda_log, "CHAT: [text]")
+/proc/log_chat(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_PDA_CHAT, text, data)
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/shuttle.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/shuttle.dm
index 62a5fcd3e6e..605ed903cfc 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/shuttle.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/shuttle.dm
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
 /// Logging for shuttle actions
-/proc/log_shuttle(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_shuttle))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_shuttle_log, "SHUTTLE: [text]")
+/proc/log_shuttle(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_SHUTTLE, text, data)
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/talk.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/talk.dm
index bed13b6c350..6cfae068cb6 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/talk.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/talk.dm
@@ -17,14 +17,12 @@
 	log_message("[prefix][custom_say_emote ? "*[custom_say_emote]*, " : ""]\"[message]\"[suffix]", message_type, log_globally = log_globally)
 
 /// Logging for generic spoken messages
-/proc/log_say(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_say))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "SAY: [text]")
+/proc/log_say(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_SAY, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for whispered messages
-/proc/log_whisper(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_whisper))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_game_log, "WHISPER: [text]")
+/proc/log_whisper(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_WHISPER, text, data)
 
 /// Helper for logging of messages with only one sender and receiver (i.e. mind links)
 /proc/log_directed_talk(atom/source, atom/target, message, message_type, tag)
@@ -37,11 +35,9 @@
 		target.log_talk(message, LOG_VICTIM, tag = "[tag] from [key_name(source)]", log_globally = FALSE)
 
 /// Logging for speech taking place over comms, as well as tcomms equipment
-/proc/log_telecomms(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_telecomms))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_telecomms_log, "TCOMMS: [text]")
+/proc/log_telecomms(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_TELECOMMS, text, data)
 
 /// Logging for speech indicators.
-/proc/log_speech_indicators(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_speech_indicators))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_speech_indicators_log, "SPEECH INDICATOR: [text]")
+/proc/log_speech_indicators(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_SPEECH_INDICATOR, text, data)
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/tool.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/tool.dm
index 4fd354eb58d..b43d8a4b704 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/tool.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/tool.dm
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
 /// Logging for tool usage
 /proc/log_tool(text, mob/initiator)
-	if(CONFIG_GET(flag/log_tools))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_tool_log, "TOOL: [text]")
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_TOOL, text, initiator ? list("initiator" = initiator) : null)
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/ui.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/ui.dm
index 3a0432d35f7..607f22a507b 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/ui.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/ui.dm
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
-/proc/log_href(text)
-	WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_href_log, "HREF: [text]")
+/proc/log_href(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_HREF, text, data)
 
 /**
  * Appends a tgui-related log entry. All arguments are optional.
@@ -31,4 +31,4 @@
 	// Insert message
 	if(message)
 		entry += "\n[message]"
-	WRITE_LOG(GLOB.tgui_log, entry)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_TGUI, entry)
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/logging/virus.dm b/code/__HELPERS/logging/virus.dm
index 26d0d374e02..050ae9434e4 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/logging/virus.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/logging/virus.dm
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 /// Logging for the creation and contraction of viruses
-/proc/log_virus(text)
-	if (CONFIG_GET(flag/log_virus))
-		WRITE_LOG(GLOB.world_virus_log, "VIRUS: [text]")
+/proc/log_virus(text, list/data)
+	logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_VIRUS, text, data)
 
 /// Returns a string for admin logging uses, should describe the disease in detail
 /datum/disease/proc/admin_details()
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/text.dm b/code/__HELPERS/text.dm
index 91837dfb3ea..ed430a86708 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/text.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/text.dm
@@ -1193,3 +1193,15 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_INIT(binary, list("0","1"))
 /proc/sanitize_css_class_name(name)
 	var/static/regex/regex = new(@"[^a-zA-Z0-9]","g")
 	return replacetext(name, regex, "")
+
+/// Converts a semver string into a list of numbers
+/proc/semver_to_list(semver_string)
+	var/static/regex/semver_regex = regex(@"(\d+)\.(\d+)\.(\d+)", "")
+	if(!semver_regex.Find(semver_string))
+		return null
+
+	return list(
+		text2num(semver_regex.group[1]),
+		text2num(semver_regex.group[2]),
+		text2num(semver_regex.group[3]),
+	)
diff --git a/code/_globalvars/logging.dm b/code/_globalvars/logging.dm
index a930f75a3e5..4d0b0698679 100644
--- a/code/_globalvars/logging.dm
+++ b/code/_globalvars/logging.dm
@@ -28,47 +28,18 @@ GLOBAL_PROTECT(##log_var_name);\
 	SHOULD_CALL_PARENT(TRUE)
 	return
 
-// All individual log files
+// All individual log files.
+// These should be used where the log category cannot easily be a json log file.
 DECLARE_LOG(config_error_log, DONT_START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG(dynamic_log, DONT_START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG(lua_log, DONT_START_LOG)
 DECLARE_LOG(perf_log, DONT_START_LOG) // Declared here but name is set in time_track subsystem
-DECLARE_LOG(query_debug_log, DONT_START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG(signals_log, DONT_START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG(tgui_log, START_LOG)
+
 #ifdef REFERENCE_DOING_IT_LIVE
 DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(harddel_log, "harddels", START_LOG)
 #endif
+
 #if defined(UNIT_TESTS) || defined(SPACEMAN_DMM)
 DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(test_log, "tests", START_LOG)
 #endif
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(filter_log, "filters", DONT_START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(sql_error_log, "sql", DONT_START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_asset_log, "asset", DONT_START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_attack_log, "attack", START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_econ_log, "econ", START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_game_log, "game", START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_href_log, "hrefs", START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_job_debug_log, "job_debug", START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_manifest_log, "manifest", START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_map_error_log, "map_errors", DONT_START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_mecha_log, "mecha", DONT_START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_mob_tag_log, "mob_tags", START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_paper_log, "paper", DONT_START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_pda_log, "pda", START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_qdel_log, "qdel", START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_runtime_log, "runtime", START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_shuttle_log, "shuttle", START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_silicon_log, "silicon", DONT_START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_speech_indicators_log, "speech_indicators", DONT_START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_telecomms_log, "telecomms", START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_tool_log, "tools", DONT_START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_uplink_log, "uplink", START_LOG)
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_virus_log, "virus", DONT_START_LOG)
-/// Log associated with [/proc/log_suspicious_login()]
-/// Intended to hold all logins that failed due to suspicious circumstances such as ban detection, CID randomisation etc.
-DECLARE_LOG_NAMED(world_suspicious_login_log, "suspicious_logins", DONT_START_LOG)
-
 
 
 /// Picture logging
diff --git a/code/controllers/configuration/entries/general.dm b/code/controllers/configuration/entries/general.dm
index 752918e3c63..cac60fadec8 100644
--- a/code/controllers/configuration/entries/general.dm
+++ b/code/controllers/configuration/entries/general.dm
@@ -158,6 +158,10 @@
 /// logs all timers in buckets on automatic bucket reset (Useful for timer debugging)
 /datum/config_entry/flag/log_timers_on_bucket_reset
 
+/// Log human readable versions of json log entries
+/datum/config_entry/flag/log_as_human_readable
+	default = TRUE
+
 /// allows admins with relevant permissions to have their own ooc colour
 /datum/config_entry/flag/allow_admin_ooccolor
 
diff --git a/code/controllers/subsystem/dbcore.dm b/code/controllers/subsystem/dbcore.dm
index 7afd62fb87f..909d72bb85e 100644
--- a/code/controllers/subsystem/dbcore.dm
+++ b/code/controllers/subsystem/dbcore.dm
@@ -569,12 +569,18 @@ Delayed insert mode was removed in mysql 7 and only works with MyISAM type table
 	. = (status != DB_QUERY_BROKEN)
 	var/timed_out = !. && findtext(last_error, "Operation timed out")
 	if(!. && log_error)
-		log_sql("[last_error] | Query used: [sql] | Arguments: [json_encode(arguments)]")
+		logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_SQL, "sql query failed", list(
+			"query" = sql,
+			"arguments" = json_encode(arguments),
+			"error" = last_error,
+		))
+
 	if(!async && timed_out)
-		log_query_debug("Query execution started at [start_time]")
-		log_query_debug("Query execution ended at [REALTIMEOFDAY]")
-		log_query_debug("Slow query timeout detected.")
-		log_query_debug("Query used: [sql]")
+		logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_SQL, "slow query timeout", list(
+			"query" = sql,
+			"start_time" = start_time,
+			"end_time" = REALTIMEOFDAY,
+		))
 		slow_query_check()
 
 /// Sleeps until execution of the query has finished.
diff --git a/code/datums/datum.dm b/code/datums/datum.dm
index 8b4dd37aa7b..97d5f83f0d8 100644
--- a/code/datums/datum.dm
+++ b/code/datums/datum.dm
@@ -183,13 +183,20 @@
 	to_chat(target, txt_changed_vars())
 #endif
 
-///Return a LIST for serialize_datum to encode! Not the actual json!
-/datum/proc/serialize_list(list/options)
-	CRASH("Attempted to serialize datum [src] of type [type] without serialize_list being implemented!")
+/// Return a list of data which can be used to investigate the datum, also ensure that you set the semver in the options list
+/datum/proc/serialize_list(list/options, list/semvers)
+	SHOULD_CALL_PARENT(TRUE)
 
-///Accepts a LIST from deserialize_datum. Should return src or another datum.
+	. = list()
+	.["tag"] = tag
+
+	SET_SERIALIZATION_SEMVER(semvers, "1.0.0")
+	return .
+
+///Accepts a LIST from deserialize_datum. Should return whether or not the deserialization was successful.
 /datum/proc/deserialize_list(json, list/options)
-	CRASH("Attempted to deserialize datum [src] of type [type] without deserialize_list being implemented!")
+	SHOULD_CALL_PARENT(TRUE)
+	return TRUE
 
 ///Serializes into JSON. Does not encode type.
 /datum/proc/serialize_json(list/options)
@@ -241,11 +248,10 @@
 			return
 	var/typeofdatum = jsonlist["DATUM_TYPE"] //BYOND won't directly read if this is just put in the line below, and will instead runtime because it thinks you're trying to make a new list?
 	var/datum/D = new typeofdatum
-	var/datum/returned = D.deserialize_list(jsonlist, options)
-	if(!isdatum(returned))
+	if(!D.deserialize_list(jsonlist, options))
 		qdel(D)
 	else
-		return returned
+		return D
 
 /**
  * Callback called by a timer to end an associative-list-indexed cooldown.
diff --git a/code/datums/json_savefile.dm b/code/datums/json_savefile.dm
index 83054258aeb..69e5a2ef7cf 100644
--- a/code/datums/json_savefile.dm
+++ b/code/datums/json_savefile.dm
@@ -59,7 +59,9 @@ GENERAL_PROTECT_DATUM(/datum/json_savefile)
 	if(path)
 		rustg_file_write(json_encode(tree), path)
 
-/datum/json_savefile/serialize_list(list/options)
+/datum/json_savefile/serialize_list(list/options, list/semvers)
+	SHOULD_CALL_PARENT(FALSE)
+	SET_SERIALIZATION_SEMVER(semvers, "1.0.0")
 	return tree.Copy()
 
 /// Traverses the entire dir tree of the given savefile and dynamically assembles the tree from it
diff --git a/code/datums/martial/_martial.dm b/code/datums/martial/_martial.dm
index a6cfbb3d725..a3c62f5ed3f 100644
--- a/code/datums/martial/_martial.dm
+++ b/code/datums/martial/_martial.dm
@@ -16,6 +16,16 @@
 	/// If set to true this style allows you to punch people despite being a pacifist (for instance Boxing, which does no damage)
 	var/pacifist_style = FALSE
 
+/datum/martial_art/serialize_list(list/options, list/semvers)
+	. = ..()
+
+	.["name"] = name
+	.["id"] = id
+	.["pacifist_style"] = pacifist_style
+
+	SET_SERIALIZATION_SEMVER(semvers, "1.0.0")
+	return .
+
 /datum/martial_art/proc/help_act(mob/living/attacker, mob/living/defender)
 	return MARTIAL_ATTACK_INVALID
 
diff --git a/code/datums/memory/_memory.dm b/code/datums/memory/_memory.dm
index 88d8f4a6247..45710f07067 100644
--- a/code/datums/memory/_memory.dm
+++ b/code/datums/memory/_memory.dm
@@ -75,6 +75,22 @@
 	memorizer_mind = null
 	return ..()
 
+/datum/memory/serialize_list(list/options, list/semvers)
+	. = ..()
+
+	.["name"] = name
+	.["memorizer"] = memorizer
+	.["story_value"] = story_value
+	.["memory_flags"] = memory_flags
+	.["mood_verb"] = mood_verb
+	.["protagonist_name"] = protagonist_name
+	.["deuteragonist_name"] = deuteragonist_name
+	.["antagonist_name"] = antagonist_name
+	.["where"] = where
+
+	SET_SERIALIZATION_SEMVER(semvers, "1.0.0")
+	return .
+
 /**
  * Generates a name for the memory.
  */
diff --git a/code/datums/mind/_mind.dm b/code/datums/mind/_mind.dm
index 5407513712a..2e74de07a51 100644
--- a/code/datums/mind/_mind.dm
+++ b/code/datums/mind/_mind.dm
@@ -122,6 +122,25 @@
 	set_current(null)
 	return ..()
 
+/datum/mind/serialize_list(list/options, list/semvers)
+	. = ..()
+
+	.["key"] = key
+	.["name"] = name
+	.["ghostname"] = ghostname
+	.["memories"] = memories
+	.["martial_art"] = martial_art
+	.["antag_datums"] = antag_datums
+	.["holy_role"] = holy_role
+	.["special_role"] = special_role
+	.["assigned_role"] = assigned_role.title
+	.["current"] = current
+
+	var/mob/enslaved_to = src.enslaved_to?.resolve()
+	.["enslaved_to"] = enslaved_to
+
+	SET_SERIALIZATION_SEMVER(semvers, "1.0.0")
+	return .
 
 /datum/mind/vv_edit_var(var_name, var_value)
 	switch(var_name)
diff --git a/code/game/world.dm b/code/game/world.dm
index e2f380c2cfe..181ff3c9098 100644
--- a/code/game/world.dm
+++ b/code/game/world.dm
@@ -76,6 +76,9 @@ GLOBAL_VAR(restart_counter)
 	// Init the debugger first so we can debug Master
 	init_debugger()
 
+	// Create the logger
+	logger = new
+
 	// THAT'S IT, WE'RE DONE, THE. FUCKING. END.
 	Master = new
 
@@ -176,6 +179,14 @@ GLOBAL_VAR(restart_counter)
 #endif
 	SSticker.OnRoundstart(CALLBACK(GLOBAL_PROC, GLOBAL_PROC_REF(_addtimer), cb, 10 SECONDS))
 
+/// Returns a list of data about the world state, don't clutter
+/world/proc/get_world_state_for_logging()
+	var/data = list()
+	data["tick_usage"] = world.tick_usage
+	data["tick_lag"] = world.tick_lag
+	data["time"] = world.time
+	data["timestamp"] = logger.unix_timestamp_string()
+	return data
 
 /world/proc/SetupLogs()
 	var/override_dir = params[OVERRIDE_LOG_DIRECTORY_PARAMETER]
@@ -199,7 +210,7 @@ GLOBAL_VAR(restart_counter)
 		GLOB.picture_logging_prefix = "O_[override_dir]_"
 		GLOB.picture_log_directory = "data/picture_logs/[override_dir]"
 
-	GLOB.logger.init_logging()
+	logger.init_logging()
 
 	var/latest_changelog = file("[global.config.directory]/../html/changelogs/archive/" + time2text(world.timeofday, "YYYY-MM") + ".yml")
 	GLOB.changelog_hash = fexists(latest_changelog) ? md5(latest_changelog) : 0 //for telling if the changelog has changed recently
diff --git a/code/modules/admin/topic.dm b/code/modules/admin/topic.dm
index 17fbc1adc69..6491135b5fd 100644
--- a/code/modules/admin/topic.dm
+++ b/code/modules/admin/topic.dm
@@ -1474,15 +1474,17 @@
 	else if(href_list["slowquery"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_ADMIN))
 			return
+
+		var/data = list("key" = usr.key)
 		var/answer = href_list["slowquery"]
 		if(answer == "yes")
-			log_query_debug("[usr.key] | Reported a server hang")
 			if(tgui_alert(usr, "Did you just press any admin buttons?", "Query server hang report", list("Yes", "No")) == "Yes")
 				var/response = input(usr,"What were you just doing?","Query server hang report") as null|text
 				if(response)
-					log_query_debug("[usr.key] | [response]")
+					data["response"] = response
+			logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_SQL, "server hang", data)
 		else if(answer == "no")
-			log_query_debug("[usr.key] | Reported no server hang")
+			logger.Log(LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_SQL, "no server hang", data)
 
 	else if(href_list["ctf_toggle"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_ADMIN))
diff --git a/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_admin.dm b/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_admin.dm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..6bc4cbc827d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_admin.dm
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+/datum/log_category/admin
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_ADMIN
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_admin
+
+/datum/log_category/admin_dsay
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_ADMIN_DSAY
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/admin
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_admin
+
+/datum/log_category/admin_circuit
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_ADMIN_CIRCUIT
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/admin
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_admin
+
+// private categories //
+
+/datum/log_category/admin_private
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_ADMIN_PRIVATE
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_admin
+	secret = TRUE
+
+/datum/log_category/admin_asay
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_ADMIN_PRIVATE_ASAY
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/admin_private
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_adminchat
+	secret = TRUE
diff --git a/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_compats.dm b/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_compats.dm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..2cf7343f01e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_compats.dm
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+/datum/log_category/game_compat
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_COMPAT_GAME
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/game
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/logging_compat_adminprivate
+
+/datum/config_entry/flag/logging_compat_adminprivate
+	default = FALSE
diff --git a/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_debug.dm b/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_debug.dm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..417a56773d6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_debug.dm
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+/datum/log_category/debug
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG
+
+/datum/log_category/debug_tgui
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_TGUI
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/debug
+
+/datum/log_category/debug_sql
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_SQL
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/debug
+
+/datum/log_category/debug_lua
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_LUA
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/debug
+
+/datum/log_category/debug_href
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_HREF
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/debug
+
+// This is not in the debug master category on purpose, do not add it
+/datum/log_category/debug_runtime
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_RUNTIME
+	internal_formatting = FALSE
+
+/datum/log_category/debug_mapping
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_MAPPING
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/debug
+
+/datum/log_category/debug_job
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_JOB
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_job_debug
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/debug
+
+/datum/log_category/debug_mobtag
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_MOBTAG
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/debug
+
+/datum/log_category/debug_asset
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_ASSET
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_asset
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/debug
+
+/datum/log_category/debug_qdel
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_DEBUG_QDEL
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/debug
diff --git a/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_game.dm b/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_game.dm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..1d29f288984
--- /dev/null
+++ b/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_game.dm
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+/datum/log_category/game
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_GAME
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_game
+
+/datum/log_category/game_vote
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_VOTE
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_vote
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/game
+
+/datum/log_category/game_emote
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_EMOTE
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_emote
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/game
+
+/datum/log_category/game_internet_request
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_INTERNET_REQUEST
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_internet_request
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/game
+
+/datum/log_category/game_radio_emote
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_RADIO_EMOTE
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_emote
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/game
+
+/datum/log_category/game_traitor
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_TRAITOR
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_traitor
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/game
+
+/datum/log_category/game_topic
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_TOPIC
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_world_topic
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/game
+
+/datum/log_category/game_say
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_SAY
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_say
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/game
+
+/datum/log_category/game_whisper
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_WHISPER
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_whisper
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/game
+
+/datum/log_category/game_ooc
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_OOC
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_ooc
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/game
+
+/datum/log_category/game_prayer
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_PRAYER
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_prayer
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/game
+
+/datum/log_category/game_access
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_GAME_ACCESS
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_access
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/game
diff --git a/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_misc.dm b/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_misc.dm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..5cc77fed203
--- /dev/null
+++ b/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_misc.dm
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+/datum/log_category/virus
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_VIRUS
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_virus
+
+/datum/log_category/tool
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_TOOL
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_tools
+
+/datum/log_category/mecha
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_MECHA
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_mecha
+
+/datum/log_category/silicon
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_SILICON
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_silicon
+
+/datum/log_category/paper
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_PAPER
+
+/datum/log_category/attack
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_ATTACK
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_attack
+
+/datum/log_category/economy
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_ECONOMY
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_econ
+
+/datum/log_category/manifest
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_MANIFEST
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_manifest
+
+/datum/log_category/shuttle
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_SHUTTLE
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_shuttle
+
+/datum/log_category/supicious_login
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_SUSPICIOUS_LOGIN
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_suspicious_login
+
+/datum/log_category/config
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_CONFIG
+
+/datum/log_category/filter
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_FILTER
+
+/datum/log_category/signal
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_SIGNAL
+
+/datum/log_category/dynamic
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_DYNAMIC
+
+/datum/log_category/telecomms
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_TELECOMMS
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_telecomms
+
+/datum/log_category/speech_indicator
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_SPEECH_INDICATOR
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_speech_indicators
diff --git a/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_pda.dm b/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_pda.dm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..aefb8776f20
--- /dev/null
+++ b/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_pda.dm
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+/datum/log_category/pda
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_PDA
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_pda
+
+/datum/log_category/pda_chat
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_PDA_CHAT
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/pda
+
+/datum/log_category/pda_comment
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_PDA_COMMENT
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/pda
diff --git a/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_uplink.dm b/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_uplink.dm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..f88d224ad3b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/code/modules/logging/categories/log_category_uplink.dm
@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+/datum/log_category/uplink
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_UPLINK
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_uplink
+
+/datum/log_category/uplink_malf
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_UPLINK_MALF
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_uplink
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/uplink
+
+/datum/log_category/uplink_heretic
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_UPLINK_HERETIC
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_uplink
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/uplink
+
+/datum/log_category/uplink_changeling
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_UPLINK_CHANGELING
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_uplink
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/uplink
+
+/datum/log_category/uplink_spell
+	category = LOG_CATEGORY_UPLINK_SPELL
+	config_flag = /datum/config_entry/flag/log_uplink
+	master_category = /datum/log_category/uplink
diff --git a/code/modules/logging/log_category.dm b/code/modules/logging/log_category.dm
index 943ebabf3d3..82dcc57d0fe 100644
--- a/code/modules/logging/log_category.dm
+++ b/code/modules/logging/log_category.dm
@@ -1,32 +1,56 @@
 /// The main datum that contains all log entries for a category
 /datum/log_category
-	/// The category this datum contains
+	/// The category name
 	var/category
+
+	/// The schema version of this log category.
+	/// Expected format of "Major.Minor.Patch"
+	var/schema_version = LOG_CATEGORY_SCHEMA_VERSION_NOT_SET
+
+	/// The master category that contains this category
+	var/datum/log_category/master_category
+
 	/// If set this config flag is checked to enable this log category
 	var/config_flag
-	/// List of all entries, in chronological order of when they were added
-	var/list/entries = list()
+
+	/// Whether or not this log should not be publically visible
+	var/secret = FALSE
+
+	/// Whether the readable version of the log message is formatted internally instead of by rustg
+	var/internal_formatting = TRUE
+
+GENERAL_PROTECT_DATUM(/datum/log_category)
 
 /// Backup log category to catch attempts to log to a category that doesn't exist
 /datum/log_category/backup_category_not_found
 	category = LOG_CATEGORY_NOT_FOUND
 
 /// Add an entry to this category. It is very important that any data you provide doesn't hold references to anything!
-/datum/log_category/proc/add_entry(message, list/data)
-	var/list/entry = list(
-		LOG_ENTRY_MESSAGE = message,
-		LOG_ENTRY_TIMESTAMP = big_number_to_text(rustg_unix_timestamp()),
+/datum/log_category/proc/create_entry(message, list/data, list/semver_store)
+	var/datum/log_entry/entry = new(
+		// world state contains raw timestamp
+		timestamp = logger.human_readable_timestamp(),
+		category = category,
+		message = message,
+		data = data,
+		semver_store = semver_store,
 	)
-	if(data)
-		entry[LOG_ENTRY_DATA] = data
 
-	entries += list(entry)
 	write_entry(entry)
 
 /// Allows for category specific file splitting. Needs to accept a null entry for the default file.
-/datum/log_category/proc/get_output_file(list/entry)
-	return "[GLOB.log_directory]/[category].json"
+/// If master_category it will always return the output of master_category.get_output_file(entry)
+/datum/log_category/proc/get_output_file(list/entry, extension = "log.json")
+	if(master_category)
+		return master_category.get_output_file(entry, extension)
+	if(secret)
+		return "[GLOB.log_directory]/secret/[category].[extension]"
+	return "[GLOB.log_directory]/[category].[extension]"
 
-/// Writes an entry to the output file for the category
-/datum/log_category/proc/write_entry(list/entry)
-	rustg_file_append("[json_encode(entry)]\n", get_output_file(entry))
+/// Writes an entry to the output file(s) for the category
+/datum/log_category/proc/write_entry(datum/log_entry/entry)
+	// config isn't loaded? assume we want human readable logs
+	if(isnull(config) || CONFIG_GET(flag/log_as_human_readable))
+		entry.write_readable_entry_to_file(get_output_file(entry, "log"), format_internally = internal_formatting)
+
+	entry.write_entry_to_file(get_output_file(entry))
diff --git a/code/modules/logging/log_entry.dm b/code/modules/logging/log_entry.dm
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..0f47cef6796
--- /dev/null
+++ b/code/modules/logging/log_entry.dm
@@ -0,0 +1,114 @@
+
+// Schema version must always be the very last element in the array.
+
+// Current Schema: 1.0.0
+// [timestamp, category, message, data, world_state, semver_store, id, schema_version]
+
+/// A datum which contains log information.
+/datum/log_entry
+	/// Next id to assign to a log entry.
+	var/static/next_id = 0
+
+	/// Unique id of the log entry.
+	var/id
+
+	/// Schema version of the log entry.
+	var/schema_version = "1.0.0"
+
+	/// Unix timestamp of the log entry.
+	var/timestamp
+
+	/// Category of the log entry.
+	var/category
+
+	/// Message of the log entry.
+	var/message
+
+	/// Data of the log entry; optional.
+	var/list/data
+
+	/// Semver store of the log entry, used to store the schema of data entries
+	var/list/semver_store
+
+GENERAL_PROTECT_DATUM(/datum/log_entry)
+
+/datum/log_entry/New(timestamp, category, message, list/data, list/semver_store)
+	..()
+
+	src.id = next_id++
+	src.timestamp = timestamp
+	src.category = category
+	src.message = message
+	with_data(data)
+	with_semver_store(semver_store)
+
+/datum/log_entry/proc/with_data(list/data)
+	if(!isnull(data))
+		if(!islist(data))
+			src.data = list("data" = data)
+			stack_trace("Log entry data was not a list, it was [data.type].")
+		else
+			src.data = data
+	return src
+
+/datum/log_entry/proc/with_semver_store(list/semver_store)
+	if(isnull(semver_store))
+		return
+	if(!islist(semver_store))
+		stack_trace("Log entry semver store was not a list, it was [semver_store.type]. We cannot reliably convert it to a list.")
+	else
+		src.semver_store = semver_store
+	return src
+
+/// Converts the log entry to a human-readable string.
+/datum/log_entry/proc/to_readable_text(format = TRUE)
+	if(format)
+		return "\[[timestamp]\] [uppertext(category)]: [message]"
+	else
+		return "[message]"
+
+/// Converts the log entry to a JSON string.
+/datum/log_entry/proc/to_json_text()
+	// I do not trust byond's json encoder, so we're doing it manually
+	var/list/json_strings = list()
+
+	json_strings += json_encode(timestamp)
+
+	json_strings += json_encode(category)
+
+	json_strings += json_encode(message)
+
+	if(length(data))
+		json_strings += json_encode(data)
+	else
+		json_strings += "null"
+
+	json_strings += json_encode(world.get_world_state_for_logging())
+
+	if(length(semver_store))
+		json_strings += json_encode(semver_store)
+	else
+		json_strings += "null"
+
+	json_strings += "[id]"
+
+	json_strings += json_encode(schema_version)
+
+	return "\[[json_strings.Join(",")]\]"
+
+/// Writes the log entry to a file.
+/datum/log_entry/proc/write_entry_to_file(file)
+	if(!fexists(file))
+		CRASH("Attempted to log to an uninitialized file: [file]")
+	WRITE_LOG_NO_FORMAT(file, "[to_json_text()]\n")
+
+/// Writes the log entry to a file as a human-readable string.
+/datum/log_entry/proc/write_readable_entry_to_file(file, format_internally = TRUE)
+	if(!fexists(file))
+		CRASH("Attempted to log to an uninitialized file: [file]")
+
+	// If it's being formatted internally we need to manually add a newline
+	if(format_internally)
+		WRITE_LOG_NO_FORMAT(file, "[to_readable_text(format = TRUE)]\n")
+	else
+		WRITE_LOG(file, "[to_readable_text(format = FALSE)]")
diff --git a/code/modules/logging/log_holder.dm b/code/modules/logging/log_holder.dm
index 0ab25ccb218..526cf1f9ccb 100644
--- a/code/modules/logging/log_holder.dm
+++ b/code/modules/logging/log_holder.dm
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
-GLOBAL_DATUM_INIT(logger, /datum/log_holder, new)
-GLOBAL_PROTECT(logger)
 
+GLOBAL_REAL(logger, /datum/log_holder)
 /**
  * Main datum to manage logging actions
  */
@@ -14,40 +13,58 @@ GLOBAL_PROTECT(logger)
 	var/list/datum/log_category/log_categories
 	/// typecache list for categories that exist but are disabled
 	var/list/disabled_categories
+	/// category nesting tree for ui purposes
+	var/list/category_group_tree
+
+	/// list of Log args waiting for processing pending log initialization
+	var/list/waiting_log_calls
+
+	/// Whether or not logging as human readable text is enabled
+	var/human_readable_enabled = FALSE
 
 	var/initialized = FALSE
 	var/shutdown = FALSE
 
+GENERAL_PROTECT_DATUM(/datum/log_holder)
+
 /// Assembles basic information for logging, creating the log category datums and checking for config flags as required
 /datum/log_holder/proc/init_logging()
 	if(initialized)
 		CRASH("Attempted to call init_logging twice!")
-	initialized = TRUE
 
 	round_id = GLOB.round_id
-	logging_start_timestamp = rustg_unix_timestamp()
+	logging_start_timestamp = unix_timestamp_string()
 	log_categories = list()
 	disabled_categories = list()
-	for(var/datum/log_category/category_type as anything in subtypesof(/datum/log_category))
-		var/category = initial(category_type.category)
-		if(!category)
-			continue
 
-		if(category in log_categories)
-			stack_trace("Found two identical log category type definitions! [category_type]")
-			continue
+	human_readable_enabled = CONFIG_GET(flag/log_as_human_readable)
 
-		var/config_flag = initial(category_type.config_flag)
+	category_group_tree = assemble_log_category_tree()
+	var/config_flag
+	for(var/datum/log_category/master_category as anything in category_group_tree)
+		var/list/sub_categories = category_group_tree[master_category]
+		sub_categories = sub_categories.Copy()
+		for(var/datum/log_category/sub_category as anything in sub_categories)
+			config_flag = initial(sub_category.config_flag)
+			if(config_flag && !config.Get(config_flag))
+				disabled_categories[initial(sub_category.category)] = TRUE
+				sub_categories -= sub_category
+				continue
+
+		config_flag = initial(master_category.config_flag)
 		if(config_flag && !config.Get(config_flag))
-			disabled_categories[category] = TRUE
-			continue
-		category_type = log_categories[category] = new category_type
-		var/list/log_start_entry = list(
-			LOG_HEADER_CATEGORY = category,
-			LOG_HEADER_INIT_TIMESTAMP = big_number_to_text(logging_start_timestamp),
-			LOG_HEADER_ROUND_ID = big_number_to_text(GLOB.round_id),
-		)
-		rustg_file_write("[json_encode(log_start_entry)]\n", category_type.get_output_file(null))
+			disabled_categories[initial(master_category.category)] = TRUE
+			if(!length(sub_categories))
+				continue
+		// enabled, or any of the sub categories are enabled
+		init_log_category(master_category, sub_categories)
+
+	initialized = TRUE
+
+	// process any waiting log calls and then cut the list
+	for(var/list/arg_list as anything in waiting_log_calls)
+		Log(arglist(arg_list))
+	waiting_log_calls?.Cut()
 
 	if(fexists(GLOB.config_error_log))
 		fcopy(GLOB.config_error_log, "[GLOB.log_directory]/config_error.log")
@@ -61,10 +78,120 @@ GLOBAL_PROTECT(logger)
 		CRASH("Attempted to call shutdown_logging twice!")
 	shutdown = TRUE
 
-/// This is Log because log is a byond internal proc
+/// Iterates over all log category types to assemble them into a tree of main category -> (sub category)[] while also checking for loops and sanity errors
+/datum/log_holder/proc/assemble_log_category_tree()
+	var/static/list/category_tree
+	if(category_tree)
+		return category_tree
+
+	category_tree = list()
+	var/list/all_types = subtypesof(/datum/log_category)
+	var/list/known_categories = list()
+	var/list/sub_categories = list()
+
+	// Assemble the master categories
+	for(var/datum/log_category/category_type as anything in all_types)
+		var/category = initial(category_type.category)
+		if(category in known_categories)
+			stack_trace("log category type '[category_type]' has duplicate category '[category]', skipping")
+			continue
+
+		if(!initial(category_type.schema_version))
+			stack_trace("log category type '[category_type]' does not have a valid schema version, skipping")
+			continue
+
+		var/master_category = initial(category_type.master_category)
+		if(master_category)
+			sub_categories[master_category] += list(category_type)
+			continue
+		category_tree[category_type] = list()
+
+	// Sort the sub categories
+	for(var/datum/log_category/master as anything in sub_categories)
+		if(!(master in category_tree))
+			stack_trace("log category [master] is an invalid master category as it's a sub category")
+			continue
+		for(var/datum/log_category/sub_category as anything in sub_categories[master])
+			if(initial(sub_category.secret) != initial(master.secret))
+				stack_trace("log category [sub_category] has a secret status that differs from its master category [master]")
+			category_tree[master] += list(sub_category)
+
+	return category_tree
+
+/// Initializes the given log category and populates the list of contained categories based on the sub category list
+/datum/log_holder/proc/init_log_category(datum/log_category/category_type, list/datum/log_category/sub_categories)
+	var/datum/log_category/category_instance = new category_type
+
+	var/list/contained_categories = list()
+	for(var/datum/log_category/sub_category as anything in sub_categories)
+		sub_category = new sub_category
+		var/sub_category_actual = sub_category.category
+		sub_category.master_category = category_instance
+		log_categories[sub_category_actual] = sub_category
+
+		if(!semver_to_list(sub_category.schema_version))
+			stack_trace("log category [sub_category_actual] has an invalid schema version '[sub_category.schema_version]'")
+			sub_category.schema_version = LOG_CATEGORY_SCHEMA_VERSION_NOT_SET
+
+		contained_categories += sub_category_actual
+
+	log_categories[category_instance.category] = category_instance
+
+	if(!semver_to_list(category_instance.schema_version))
+		stack_trace("log category [category_instance.category] has an invalid schema version '[category_instance.schema_version]'")
+		category_instance.schema_version = LOG_CATEGORY_SCHEMA_VERSION_NOT_SET
+
+	contained_categories += category_instance.category
+
+	var/list/category_header = list(
+		LOG_HEADER_INIT_TIMESTAMP = logging_start_timestamp,
+		LOG_HEADER_ROUND_ID = big_number_to_text(GLOB.round_id),
+		LOG_HEADER_SECRET = category_instance.secret,
+		LOG_HEADER_CATEGORY_LIST = contained_categories,
+		LOG_HEADER_CATEGORY = category_instance.category,
+	)
+
+	rustg_file_write("[json_encode(category_header)]\n", category_instance.get_output_file(null))
+	if(human_readable_enabled)
+		rustg_file_write("\[[human_readable_timestamp()]\] Starting up round ID [round_id].\n - -------------------------\n", category_instance.get_output_file(null, "log"))
+
+/datum/log_holder/proc/unix_timestamp_string() // pending change to rust-g
+	return RUSTG_CALL(RUST_G, "unix_timestamp")()
+
+/datum/log_holder/proc/human_readable_timestamp(precision = 3)
+	var/start = time2text(world.timeofday, "YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm:ss")
+	// now we grab the millis from the rustg timestamp
+	var/list/timestamp = splittext(unix_timestamp_string(), ".")
+	var/millis = timestamp[2]
+	if(length(millis) > precision)
+		millis = copytext(millis, 1, precision + 1)
+	return "[start].[millis]"
+
+/// Adds an entry to the given category, if the category is disabled it will not be logged.
+/// If the category does not exist, we will CRASH and log to the error category.
+/// the data list is optional and will be recursively json serialized.
 /datum/log_holder/proc/Log(category, message, list/data)
-	if(!initialized || shutdown)
-		CRASH("Attempted to perform logging before initializion or after shutdown!")
+	// This is Log because log is a byond internal proc
+	if(shutdown)
+		stack_trace("Performing logging after shutdown! This might not be functional in the future!")
+	// but for right now it's fine
+
+	// do not include the message because these go into the runtime log and we might be secret!
+	if(!istext(message))
+		message = "[message]"
+		stack_trace("Logging with a non-text message")
+
+	if(!category)
+		category = LOG_CATEGORY_NOT_FOUND
+		stack_trace("Logging with a null or empty category")
+
+	if(data && !islist(data))
+		data = list("data" = data)
+		stack_trace("Logging with data this is not a list, it will be converted to a list with a single key 'data'")
+
+	if(!initialized) // we are initialized during /world/proc/SetupLogging which is called in /world/New
+		waiting_log_calls += list(list(category, message, data))
+		return
 
 	if(disabled_categories[category])
 		return
@@ -73,4 +200,49 @@ GLOBAL_PROTECT(logger)
 	if(!log_category)
 		Log(LOG_CATEGORY_NOT_FOUND, message, data)
 		CRASH("Attempted to log to a category that doesn't exist! [category]")
-	log_category.add_entry(message, data)
+
+	var/list/semver_store = null
+	if(length(data))
+		semver_store = list()
+		data = recursive_jsonify(data, semver_store)
+	log_category.create_entry(message, data, semver_store)
+
+/// Recursively converts an associative list of datums into their jsonified(list) form
+/datum/log_holder/proc/recursive_jsonify(list/data_list, list/semvers)
+	if(isnull(data_list))
+		return null
+
+	var/list/jsonified_list = list()
+	for(var/key in data_list)
+		var/datum/data = data_list[key]
+
+		if(isnull(data))
+			// do nothing - nulls are allowed
+
+		else if(islist(data))
+			data = recursive_jsonify(data, semvers)
+
+		else if(isdatum(data))
+			var/list/options_list = list(
+				SCHEMA_VERSION = LOG_CATEGORY_SCHEMA_VERSION_NOT_SET,
+			)
+
+			var/list/serialization_data = data.serialize_list(options_list, semvers)
+			var/current_semver = semvers[data.type]
+			if(!semver_to_list(current_semver))
+				stack_trace("serialization of data had an invalid semver")
+				semvers[data.type] = LOG_CATEGORY_SCHEMA_VERSION_NOT_SET
+
+			if(!length(serialization_data)) // serialize_list wasn't implemented, and errored
+				stack_trace("serialization data was empty")
+				continue
+
+			data = recursive_jsonify(serialization_data, semvers)
+
+		if(islist(data) && !length(data))
+			stack_trace("recursive_jsonify got an empty list after serialization")
+			continue
+
+		jsonified_list[key] = data
+
+	return jsonified_list
diff --git a/code/modules/mining/machine_silo.dm b/code/modules/mining/machine_silo.dm
index 2077428bd34..f76cdcde796 100644
--- a/code/modules/mining/machine_silo.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mining/machine_silo.dm
@@ -241,7 +241,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(silo_access_logs)
 		"raw_materials" = get_raw_materials(""),
 		"direction" = amount < 0 ? "withdrawn" : "deposited",
 	)
-	GLOB.logger.Log(
+	logger.Log(
 		LOG_CATEGORY_SILO,
 		"[machine_name] in \[[AREACOORD(M)]\] [action] [abs(amount)]x [noun] | [get_raw_materials("")]",
 		data,
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/mob.dm b/code/modules/mob/mob.dm
index 14b2e758c68..02de4d93ae0 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/mob.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/mob.dm
@@ -109,6 +109,17 @@
 	. = ..()
 	tag = "mob_[next_mob_id++]"
 
+/mob/serialize_list(list/options, list/semvers)
+	. = ..()
+
+	.["tag"] = tag
+	.["name"] = name
+	.["ckey"] = ckey
+	.["key"] = key
+
+	SET_SERIALIZATION_SEMVER(semvers, "1.0.0")
+	return .
+
 /**
  * set every hud image in the given category active so other people with the given hud can see it.
  * Arguments:
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/mob_helpers.dm b/code/modules/mob/mob_helpers.dm
index 66e2e18350b..1be76be1f35 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/mob_helpers.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/mob_helpers.dm
@@ -513,7 +513,7 @@
 			"name" = offhand.name,
 		)
 
-	GLOB.logger.Log(
+	logger.Log(
 		LOG_CATEGORY_TARGET_ZONE_SWITCH,
 		"[key_name(src)] manually changed selected zone",
 		data,
diff --git a/code/modules/photography/_pictures.dm b/code/modules/photography/_pictures.dm
index e6df79d0b6c..8c949892dbf 100644
--- a/code/modules/photography/_pictures.dm
+++ b/code/modules/photography/_pictures.dm
@@ -58,8 +58,9 @@
 	ic.Blend(small_img,ICON_OVERLAY, 13, 13)
 	picture_icon = ic
 
-/datum/picture/serialize_list(list/options)
-	. = list()
+/datum/picture/serialize_list(list/options, list/semvers)
+	. = ..()
+
 	.["id"] = id
 	.["desc"] = picture_desc
 	.["name"] = picture_name
@@ -69,9 +70,19 @@
 	.["blueprints"] = has_blueprints
 	.["logpath"] = logpath
 
+	SET_SERIALIZATION_SEMVER(semvers, "1.0.0")
+	return .
+
 /datum/picture/deserialize_list(list/input, list/options)
+	if((SCHEMA_VERSION in options) && (options[SCHEMA_VERSION] != "1.0.0"))
+		CRASH("Invalid schema version for datum/picture: [options[SCHEMA_VERSION]] (expected 1.0.0)")
+	. = ..()
+	if(!.)
+		return .
+
 	if(!input["logpath"] || !fexists(input["logpath"]) || !input["id"] || !input["pixel_size_x"] || !input["pixel_size_y"])
-		return
+		return FALSE
+
 	picture_image = icon(file(input["logpath"]))
 	logpath = input["logpath"]
 	id = input["id"]
@@ -85,7 +96,6 @@
 		picture_desc = input["desc"]
 	if(input["name"])
 		picture_name = input["name"]
-	return src
 
 /proc/load_photo_from_disk(id, location)
 	var/datum/picture/P = load_picture_from_disk(id)
diff --git a/config/config.txt b/config/config.txt
index cfb9391ae96..629da4ad8d7 100644
--- a/config/config.txt
+++ b/config/config.txt
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 $include game_options.txt
 $include dbconfig.txt
 $include comms.txt
+$include logging.txt
 $include resources.txt
 $include interviews.txt
 $include lua.txt
@@ -80,103 +81,6 @@ ENABLE_LOCALHOST_RANK
 ## If USE_LOW_LIVING_HOUR_INTERN is unhashed, players under this number of living hours have [Intern] added to their ID card. If this isn't set, uses USE_EXP_RESTRICTIONS_HEADS_HOURS instead. If that isn't set, it finally defaults to a hardcoded fallback of 15 hours.
 #USE_LOW_LIVING_HOUR_INTERN_HOURS 50
 
-## log OOC channel
-LOG_OOC
-
-## log client Say
-LOG_SAY
-
-## log admin actions
-LOG_ADMIN
-
-## log admin chat
-LOG_ADMINCHAT
-
-## log asset debug logs
-#LOG_ASSET
-
-## log client access (logon/logoff)
-LOG_ACCESS
-
-## Enables log entries for logins that failed due to suspicious circumstances (banned player, CID randomiser, spoofed BYOND version, etc.) to a dedicated file.
-LOG_SUSPICIOUS_LOGIN
-
-## log game actions (start of round, results, etc.)
-LOG_GAME
-
-## log player votes
-LOG_VOTE
-
-## log manual target zone switching
-LOG_ZONE_SWITCH
-
-## log client Whisper
-LOG_WHISPER
-
-## log emotes
-LOG_EMOTE
-
-## log attack messages
-LOG_ATTACK
-
-## log pda messages
-LOG_PDA
-
-## log uplink purchases
-LOG_UPLINK
-
-## log telecomms messages
-LOG_TELECOMMS
-
-## log prayers
-LOG_PRAYER
-
-## Log Music requests
-LOG_INTERNET_REQUEST
-
-## log silicons
-LOG_SILICON
-
-## log economy actions
-LOG_ECON
-
-## log traitor objectives
-LOG_TRAITOR
-
-## log crew manifest to separate file
-LOG_MANIFEST
-
-## log job divide debugging information
-#LOG_JOB_DEBUG
-
-## log all world.Topic() calls
-# LOG_WORLD_TOPIC
-
-## enables use of the proc twitterize() that lets you take a large list of strings and turn it into a JSON file of tweet sized strings.
-## As an example of how this could be """useful""" look towards Poly (https://twitter.com/Poly_the_Parrot)
-# LOG_TWITTER
-
-## Enable logging pictures
-LOG_PICTURES
-
-## log mecha actions
-# LOG_MECHA
-
-## log virus and actions
-LOG_VIRUS
-
-## log shuttle actions
-LOG_SHUTTLE
-
-## log tool interactions [/atom/proc/tool_act]
-LOG_TOOLS
-
-## Log all timers on timer auto reset
-# LOG_TIMERS_ON_BUCKET_RESET
-
-## log speech indicators
-LOG_SPEECH_INDICATORS
-
 ##Log camera pictures - Must have picture logging enabled
 PICTURE_LOGGING_CAMERA
 
diff --git a/config/logging.txt b/config/logging.txt
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..2635197a796
--- /dev/null
+++ b/config/logging.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+### Config Flags for logging, compatibility flags are at the top
+
+## Whether or not admin/adminprivate logging is also sent to LOG_CATEGORY_GAME for legacy log parsers
+LOGGING_COMPAT_ADMINPRIVATE
+
+## Should we also log entries as human readable
+LOG_AS_HUMAN_READABLE
+
+### Actual logging flags
+
+## log client access (logon/logoff)
+LOG_ACCESS
+
+## log admin actions
+LOG_ADMIN
+
+## log admin chat
+LOG_ADMINCHAT
+
+## log asset debug logs
+# LOG_ASSET
+
+## log attack messages
+LOG_ATTACK
+
+## log economy actions
+LOG_ECON
+
+## log emotes
+LOG_EMOTE
+
+## log game actions (start of round, results, etc.)
+LOG_GAME
+
+## log job divide debugging information
+# LOG_JOB_DEBUG
+
+## log crew manifest to separate file
+LOG_MANIFEST
+
+## log mecha actions
+# LOG_MECHA
+
+## log OOC channel
+LOG_OOC
+
+## log pda messages
+LOG_PDA
+
+## Enable logging pictures
+LOG_PICTURES
+
+## log prayers
+LOG_PRAYER
+
+## log client Say
+LOG_SAY
+
+## log shuttle actions
+LOG_SHUTTLE
+
+## log silicons
+LOG_SILICON
+
+## log speech indicators
+LOG_SPEECH_INDICATORS
+
+## Enables log entries for logins that failed due to suspicious circumstances (banned player, CID randomiser, spoofed BYOND version, etc.) to a dedicated file.
+LOG_SUSPICIOUS_LOGIN
+
+## log telecomms messages
+LOG_TELECOMMS
+
+## Log all timers on timer auto reset
+# LOG_TIMERS_ON_BUCKET_RESET
+
+## log tool interactions [/atom/proc/tool_act]
+LOG_TOOLS
+
+## log traitor objectives
+LOG_TRAITOR
+
+## enables use of the proc twitterize() that lets you take a large list of strings and turn it into a JSON file of tweet sized strings.
+## As an example of how this could be """useful""" look towards Poly (https://twitter.com/Poly_the_Parrot)
+# LOG_TWITTER
+
+## log uplink purchases
+LOG_UPLINK
+
+## log virus and actions
+LOG_VIRUS
+
+## log player votes
+LOG_VOTE
+
+## log client Whisper
+LOG_WHISPER
+
+## log all world.Topic() calls
+# LOG_WORLD_TOPIC
+
+## log manual target zone switching
+LOG_ZONE_SWITCH
diff --git a/tgstation.dme b/tgstation.dme
index 9520e54f474..2be4a8edcc7 100644
--- a/tgstation.dme
+++ b/tgstation.dme
@@ -3734,9 +3734,17 @@
 #include "code\modules\lighting\lighting_turf.dm"
 #include "code\modules\lighting\static_lighting_area.dm"
 #include "code\modules\logging\log_category.dm"
+#include "code\modules\logging\log_entry.dm"
 #include "code\modules\logging\log_holder.dm"
+#include "code\modules\logging\categories\log_category_admin.dm"
+#include "code\modules\logging\categories\log_category_compats.dm"
+#include "code\modules\logging\categories\log_category_debug.dm"
+#include "code\modules\logging\categories\log_category_game.dm"
+#include "code\modules\logging\categories\log_category_misc.dm"
+#include "code\modules\logging\categories\log_category_pda.dm"
 #include "code\modules\logging\categories\log_category_silo.dm"
 #include "code\modules\logging\categories\log_category_target_zone_switch.dm"
+#include "code\modules\logging\categories\log_category_uplink.dm"
 #include "code\modules\mafia\_defines.dm"
 #include "code\modules\mafia\controller.dm"
 #include "code\modules\mafia\map_pieces.dm"