bmad-method 6.0.0-alpha.2 → 6.0.0-alpha.21

package/src/modules/bmgd/workflows/1-preproduction/game-brief/instructions.md

@@ -0,0 +1,373 @@
+# Game Brief - Interactive Workflow Instructions
+
+<critical>The workflow execution engine is governed by: {project-root}/_bmad/core/tasks/workflow.xml</critical>
+<critical>You MUST have already loaded and processed: {installed_path}/workflow.yaml</critical>
+<critical>Communicate all responses in {communication_language} and language MUST be tailored to {user_skill_level}</critical>
+<critical>Generate all documents in {document_output_language}</critical>
+<critical>⚠️ ABSOLUTELY NO TIME ESTIMATES - NEVER mention hours, days, weeks, months, or ANY time-based predictions. AI has fundamentally changed development speed - what once took teams weeks/months can now be done by one person in hours. DO NOT give ANY time estimates whatsoever.</critical>
+
+<critical>DOCUMENT OUTPUT: Concise, professional, game-design focused. Use tables/lists over prose. User skill level ({user_skill_level}) affects conversation style ONLY, not document content.</critical>
+<critical>⚠️ CHECKPOINT PROTOCOL: After EVERY <template-output> tag, you MUST follow workflow.xml substep 2c: SAVE content to file immediately → SHOW checkpoint separator (━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━) → DISPLAY generated content → PRESENT options [a]Advanced Elicitation/[c]Continue/[p]Party-Mode/[y]YOLO → WAIT for user response. Never batch saves or skip checkpoints.</critical>
+
+<workflow>
+
+<step n="0" goal="Validate workflow readiness" tag="workflow-status">
+<action>Check if {output_folder}/bmgd-workflow-status.yaml exists</action>
+
+<check if="status file not found">
+  <output>No workflow status file found. Game brief is optional - you can continue without status tracking.</output>
+  <action>Set standalone_mode = true</action>
+</check>
+
+<check if="status file found">
+  <action>Load the FULL file: {output_folder}/bmgd-workflow-status.yaml</action>
+  <action>Parse workflow_status section</action>
+  <action>Check status of "game-brief" workflow</action>
+  <action>Get project_level from YAML metadata</action>
+  <action>Find first non-completed workflow (next expected workflow)</action>
+
+  <check if="project_type != 'game'">
+    <output>Note: This is a {{project_type}} project. Game brief is designed for game projects.</output>
+    <ask>Continue with game brief anyway? (y/n)</ask>
+    <check if="n">
+      <action>Exit workflow</action>
+    </check>
+  </check>
+
+  <check if="game-brief status is file path (already completed)">
+    <output>⚠️ Game Brief already completed: {{game-brief status}}</output>
+    <ask>Re-running will overwrite the existing brief. Continue? (y/n)</ask>
+    <check if="n">
+      <output>Exiting. Use workflow-status to see your next step.</output>
+      <action>Exit workflow</action>
+    </check>
+  </check>
+
+  <check if="game-brief is not the next expected workflow (latter items are completed already in the list)">
+    <output>⚠️ Next expected workflow: {{next_workflow}}. Game Brief is out of sequence.</output>
+    <ask>Continue with Game Brief anyway? (y/n)</ask>
+    <check if="n">
+      <output>Exiting. Run {{next_workflow}} instead.</output>
+      <action>Exit workflow</action>
+    </check>
+  </check>
+
+<action>Set standalone_mode = false</action>
+</check>
+</step>
+
+<step n="1" goal="Initialize game brief session">
+<action>Welcome the user in {communication_language} to the Game Brief creation process</action>
+<action>Explain this is a collaborative process to define their game vision, capturing the essence of what they want to create</action>
+<action>Ask for the working title of their game</action>
+<template-output>game_name</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="1" goal="Gather available inputs and context">
+<action>Explore what existing materials the user has available to inform the brief</action>
+<action>Offer options for input sources: market research, brainstorming results, competitive analysis, design notes, reference games, or starting fresh</action>
+<action>If documents are provided, load and analyze them to extract key insights, themes, and patterns</action>
+<action>Engage the user about their core vision: what gameplay experience they want to create, what emotions players should feel, and what sparked this game idea</action>
+<action>Build initial understanding through conversational exploration rather than rigid questioning</action>
+
+<template-output>initial_context</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="2" goal="Choose collaboration mode">
+<ask>How would you like to work through the brief?
+
+**1. Interactive Mode** - We'll work through each section together, discussing and refining as we go
+**2. YOLO Mode** - I'll generate a complete draft based on our conversation so far, then we'll refine it together
+
+Which approach works best for you?</ask>
+
+<action>Store the user's preference for mode</action>
+<template-output>collaboration_mode</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="3" goal="Define game vision" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Guide user to articulate their game vision across three levels of depth</action>
+<action>Help them craft a one-sentence core concept that captures the essence (reference successful games like "A roguelike deck-builder where you climb a mysterious spire" as examples)</action>
+<action>Develop an elevator pitch (2-3 sentences) that would compel a publisher or player - refine until it's concise but hooks attention</action>
+<action>Explore their aspirational vision statement: the experience they want to create and what makes it meaningful - ensure it's ambitious yet achievable</action>
+<action>Refine through conversation, challenging vague language and elevating compelling ideas</action>
+
+<template-output>core_concept</template-output>
+<template-output>elevator_pitch</template-output>
+<template-output>vision_statement</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="4" goal="Identify target market" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Guide user to define their primary target audience with specific demographics, gaming preferences, and behavioral characteristics</action>
+<action>Push for specificity beyond generic descriptions like "people who like fun games" - challenge vague answers</action>
+<action>Explore secondary audiences if applicable and how their needs might differ</action>
+<action>Investigate the market context: opportunity size, competitive landscape, similar successful games, and why now is the right time</action>
+<action>Help identify a realistic and reachable audience segment based on evidence or well-reasoned assumptions</action>
+
+<template-output>primary_audience</template-output>
+<template-output>secondary_audience</template-output>
+<template-output>market_context</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="5" goal="Define game fundamentals" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Help user identify 2-4 core gameplay pillars that fundamentally define their game - everything should support these pillars</action>
+<action>Provide examples from successful games for inspiration (Hollow Knight's "tight controls + challenging combat + rewarding exploration")</action>
+<action>Explore what the player actually DOES - core actions, key systems, and interaction models</action>
+<action>Define the emotional experience goals: what feelings are you designing for (tension/relief, mastery/growth, creativity/expression, discovery/surprise)</action>
+<action>Ensure pillars are specific and measurable, focusing on player actions rather than implementation details</action>
+<action>Connect mechanics directly to emotional experiences through guided discussion</action>
+
+<template-output>core_gameplay_pillars</template-output>
+<template-output>primary_mechanics</template-output>
+<template-output>player_experience_goals</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="6" goal="Define scope and constraints" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Help user establish realistic project constraints across all key dimensions</action>
+<action>Explore target platforms and prioritization (PC, console, mobile, web)</action>
+<action>Discuss development timeline: release targets, fixed deadlines, phased release strategies</action>
+<action>Investigate budget reality: funding source, asset creation costs, marketing, tools and software</action>
+<action>Assess team resources: size, roles, availability, skills gaps, outsourcing needs</action>
+<action>Define technical constraints: engine choice, performance targets, file size limits, accessibility requirements</action>
+<action>Push for realism about scope - identify potential blockers early and document resource assumptions</action>
+
+<template-output>target_platforms</template-output>
+<template-output>development_timeline</template-output>
+<template-output>budget_considerations</template-output>
+<template-output>team_resources</template-output>
+<template-output>technical_constraints</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="7" goal="Establish reference framework" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Guide user to identify 3-5 inspiration games and articulate what they're drawing from each (mechanics, feel, art style) and explicitly what they're NOT taking</action>
+<action>Conduct competitive analysis: identify direct and indirect competitors, analyze what they do well and poorly, and define how this game will differ</action>
+<action>Explore key differentiators and unique value proposition - what's the hook that makes players choose this game over alternatives</action>
+<action>Challenge "just better" thinking - push for genuine, specific differentiation that's actually valuable to players</action>
+<action>Validate that differentiators are concrete, achievable, and compelling</action>
+
+<template-output>inspiration_games</template-output>
+<template-output>competitive_analysis</template-output>
+<template-output>key_differentiators</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="8" goal="Define content framework" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Explore the game's world and setting: location, time period, world-building depth, narrative importance, and genre context</action>
+<action>Define narrative approach: story-driven/light/absent, linear/branching/emergent, delivery methods (cutscenes, dialogue, environmental), writing scope</action>
+<action>Estimate content volume realistically: playthrough length, level/stage count, replayability strategy, total asset volume</action>
+<action>Identify if a dedicated narrative workflow will be needed later based on story complexity</action>
+<action>Flag content-heavy areas that require detailed planning and resource allocation</action>
+
+<template-output>world_setting</template-output>
+<template-output>narrative_approach</template-output>
+<template-output>content_volume</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="9" goal="Define art and audio direction" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Explore visual style direction: art style preference, color palette and mood, reference games/images, 2D vs 3D, animation requirements</action>
+<action>Define audio style: music genre and mood, SFX approach, voice acting scope, audio's importance to gameplay</action>
+<action>Discuss production approach: in-house creation vs outsourcing, asset store usage, AI/generative tools, style complexity vs team capability</action>
+<action>Ensure art and audio vision aligns realistically with budget and team skills - identify potential production bottlenecks early</action>
+<action>Note if a comprehensive style guide will be needed for consistent production</action>
+
+<template-output>visual_style</template-output>
+<template-output>audio_style</template-output>
+<template-output>production_approach</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="10" goal="Assess risks" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Facilitate honest risk assessment across all dimensions - what could prevent completion, what could make it unfun, what assumptions might be wrong</action>
+<action>Identify technical challenges: unproven elements, performance concerns, platform-specific issues, tool dependencies</action>
+<action>Explore market risks: saturation, trend dependency, competition intensity, discoverability challenges</action>
+<action>For each major risk, develop actionable mitigation strategies - how to validate assumptions, backup plans, early prototyping opportunities</action>
+<action>Prioritize risks by impact and likelihood, focusing on proactive mitigation rather than passive worry</action>
+
+<template-output>key_risks</template-output>
+<template-output>technical_challenges</template-output>
+<template-output>market_risks</template-output>
+<template-output>mitigation_strategies</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="11" goal="Define success criteria" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Define the MVP (Minimum Playable Version) - what's the absolute minimum where the core loop is fun and complete, with essential content only</action>
+<action>Establish specific, measurable success metrics: player acquisition, retention rates, session length, completion rate, review scores, revenue targets, community engagement</action>
+<action>Set concrete launch goals: first-month sales/downloads, review score targets, streamer/press coverage, community size</action>
+<action>Push for specificity and measurability - challenge vague aspirations with "how will you measure that?"</action>
+<action>Clearly distinguish between MVP milestones and full release goals, ensuring all targets are realistic given resources</action>
+
+<template-output>mvp_definition</template-output>
+<template-output>success_metrics</template-output>
+<template-output>launch_goals</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="12" goal="Identify immediate next steps" if="collaboration_mode == 'interactive'">
+<action>Identify immediate actions to take right after this brief: prototype core mechanics, create art style tests, validate technical feasibility, build vertical slice, playtest with target audience</action>
+<action>Determine research needs: market validation, technical proof of concept, player interest testing, competitive deep-dive</action>
+<action>Document open questions and uncertainties: unresolved design questions, technical unknowns, market validation needs, resource/budget questions</action>
+<action>Create actionable, specific next steps - prioritize by importance and dependency</action>
+<action>Identify blockers that must be resolved before moving forward</action>
+
+<template-output>immediate_actions</template-output>
+<template-output>research_needs</template-output>
+<template-output>open_questions</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<!-- YOLO Mode - Generate everything then refine -->
+<step n="3" goal="Generate complete brief draft" if="collaboration_mode == 'yolo'">
+<action>Based on initial context and any provided documents, generate a complete game brief covering all sections</action>
+<action>Make reasonable assumptions where information is missing</action>
+<action>Flag areas that need user validation with [NEEDS CONFIRMATION] tags</action>
+
+<template-output>core_concept</template-output>
+<template-output>elevator_pitch</template-output>
+<template-output>vision_statement</template-output>
+<template-output>primary_audience</template-output>
+<template-output>secondary_audience</template-output>
+<template-output>market_context</template-output>
+<template-output>core_gameplay_pillars</template-output>
+<template-output>primary_mechanics</template-output>
+<template-output>player_experience_goals</template-output>
+<template-output>target_platforms</template-output>
+<template-output>development_timeline</template-output>
+<template-output>budget_considerations</template-output>
+<template-output>team_resources</template-output>
+<template-output>technical_constraints</template-output>
+<template-output>inspiration_games</template-output>
+<template-output>competitive_analysis</template-output>
+<template-output>key_differentiators</template-output>
+<template-output>world_setting</template-output>
+<template-output>narrative_approach</template-output>
+<template-output>content_volume</template-output>
+<template-output>visual_style</template-output>
+<template-output>audio_style</template-output>
+<template-output>production_approach</template-output>
+<template-output>key_risks</template-output>
+<template-output>technical_challenges</template-output>
+<template-output>market_risks</template-output>
+<template-output>mitigation_strategies</template-output>
+<template-output>mvp_definition</template-output>
+<template-output>success_metrics</template-output>
+<template-output>launch_goals</template-output>
+<template-output>immediate_actions</template-output>
+<template-output>research_needs</template-output>
+<template-output>open_questions</template-output>
+
+<action>Present the complete draft to the user</action>
+<ask>Here's the complete game brief draft. What would you like to adjust or refine?</ask>
+</step>
+
+<step n="4" goal="Refine brief sections" repeat="until-approved" if="collaboration_mode == 'yolo'">
+<ask>Which section would you like to refine?
+
+1. Game Vision
+2. Target Market
+3. Game Fundamentals
+4. Scope and Constraints
+5. Reference Framework
+6. Content Framework
+7. Art and Audio Direction
+8. Risk Assessment
+9. Success Criteria
+10. Next Steps
+11. Save and continue</ask>
+
+<action>Work with user to refine selected section</action>
+<action>Update relevant template outputs</action>
+</step>
+
+<!-- Final steps for both modes -->
+<step n="13" goal="Create executive summary">
+<action>Synthesize all sections into a compelling executive summary</action>
+<action>Include:
+- Game concept in 1-2 sentences
+- Target audience and market
+- Core gameplay pillars
+- Key differentiators
+- Success vision</action>
+
+<template-output>executive_summary</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="14" goal="Compile supporting materials">
+<action>If research documents were provided, create a summary of key findings</action>
+<action>Document any stakeholder input received during the process</action>
+<action>Compile list of reference games and resources</action>
+
+<template-output>research_summary</template-output>
+<template-output>stakeholder_input</template-output>
+<template-output>references</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="15" goal="Final review and handoff">
+<action>Generate the complete game brief document</action>
+<action>Review all sections for completeness and consistency</action>
+<action>Flag any areas that need design attention with [DESIGN-TODO] tags</action>
+
+<ask>The game brief is complete! Would you like to:
+
+1. Review the entire document
+2. Make final adjustments
+3. Generate an executive summary version (3-page limit)
+4. Save and prepare for GDD creation
+
+This brief will serve as the primary input for creating the Game Design Document (GDD).
+
+**Recommended next steps:**
+
+- Create prototype of core mechanic
+- Proceed to GDD workflow: `workflow gdd`
+- Validate assumptions with target players</ask>
+
+<check if="user chooses option 3 (executive summary)">
+  <action>Create condensed 3-page executive brief focusing on: core concept, target market, gameplay pillars, key differentiators, and success criteria</action>
+  <action>Save as: {output_folder}/game-brief-executive-{{game_name}}-{{date}}.md</action>
+</check>
+
+<template-output>final_brief</template-output>
+<template-output>executive_brief</template-output>
+</step>
+
+<step n="16" goal="Update status and complete" tag="workflow-status">
+<check if="standalone_mode != true">
+  <action>Load the FULL file: {output_folder}/bmgd-workflow-status.yaml</action>
+  <action>Find workflow_status key "game-brief"</action>
+  <critical>ONLY write the file path as the status value - no other text, notes, or metadata</critical>
+  <action>Update workflow_status["game-brief"] = "{output_folder}/bmm-game-brief-{{game_name}}-{{date}}.md"</action>
+  <action>Save file, preserving ALL comments and structure including STATUS DEFINITIONS</action>
+
+<action>Find first non-completed workflow in workflow_status (next workflow to do)</action>
+<action>Determine next agent from path file based on next workflow</action>
+</check>
+
+<output>**✅ Game Brief Complete, {user_name}!**
+
+**Brief Document:**
+
+- Game brief saved to {output_folder}/bmm-game-brief-{{game_name}}-{{date}}.md
+
+{{#if standalone_mode != true}}
+**Status Updated:**
+
+- Progress tracking updated: game-brief marked complete
+- Next workflow: {{next_workflow}}
+  {{else}}
+  **Note:** Running in standalone mode (no progress tracking)
+  {{/if}}
+
+**Next Steps:**
+
+{{#if standalone_mode != true}}
+
+- **Next workflow:** {{next_workflow}} ({{next_agent}} agent)
+- **Optional:** Consider creating a prototype of core mechanic or validating assumptions with target players before proceeding
+
+Check status anytime with: `workflow-status`
+{{else}}
+Since no workflow is in progress:
+
+- Refer to the BMM workflow guide if unsure what to do next
+- Or run `workflow-init` to create a workflow path and get guided next steps
+  {{/if}}
+  </output>
+  </step>
+
+</workflow>

package/src/modules/bmgd/workflows/1-preproduction/game-brief/steps/step-01-init.md

@@ -0,0 +1,223 @@
+---
+name: 'step-01-init'
+description: 'Initialize the Game Brief workflow by detecting continuation state and setting up the document'
+
+# Path Definitions
+workflow_path: '{project-root}/_bmad/bmgd/workflows/1-preproduction/game-brief'
+
+# File References
+thisStepFile: '{workflow_path}/steps/step-01-init.md'
+nextStepFile: '{workflow_path}/steps/step-02-vision.md'
+continueStepFile: '{workflow_path}/steps/step-01b-continue.md'
+workflowFile: '{workflow_path}/workflow.md'
+outputFile: '{output_folder}/game-brief.md'
+
+# Template References
+briefTemplate: '{workflow_path}/templates/game-brief-template.md'
+---
+
+# Step 1: Workflow Initialization
+
+**Progress: Step 1 of 8** - Next: Game Vision
+
+## STEP GOAL:
+
+Initialize the Game Brief workflow by detecting continuation state, discovering any input documents (brainstorming, research), and setting up the document structure.
+
+## MANDATORY EXECUTION RULES (READ FIRST):
+
+### Universal Rules:
+
+- NEVER generate content without user input
+- CRITICAL: Read the complete step file before taking any action
+- CRITICAL: When loading next step with 'C', ensure entire file is read
+- YOU ARE A FACILITATOR, not a content generator
+- NEVER mention time estimates
+
+### Role Reinforcement:
+
+- You are a veteran game designer facilitator collaborating with a creative peer
+- If you already have been given a name, communication_style and persona, continue to use those while playing this new role
+- We engage in collaborative dialogue, not command-response
+- You bring structured game design thinking and facilitation skills
+
+### Step-Specific Rules:
+
+- Focus only on initialization and setup - no content generation yet
+- FORBIDDEN to look ahead to future steps or assume knowledge from them
+- Approach: Systematic setup with clear reporting to user
+- Detect existing workflow state and handle continuation properly
+
+## EXECUTION PROTOCOLS:
+
+- Show your analysis of current state before taking any action
+- Initialize document structure and update frontmatter appropriately
+- Set up frontmatter `stepsCompleted: [1]` before loading next step
+- FORBIDDEN to load next step until user selects 'C' (Continue)
+
+## CONTEXT BOUNDARIES:
+
+- Available context: Variables from workflow.md are available in memory
+- Focus: Workflow initialization and document setup only
+- Limits: Don't assume knowledge from other steps or create content yet
+- Dependencies: Configuration loaded from workflow.md initialization
+
+## Sequence of Instructions (Do not deviate, skip, or optimize)
+
+### 1. Check for Existing Workflow State
+
+First, check if the output document already exists:
+
+**Workflow State Detection:**
+
+- Look for file at `{outputFile}`
+- If exists, read the complete file including frontmatter
+- If not exists, this is a fresh workflow
+
+### 2. Handle Continuation (If Document Exists)
+
+If the document exists and has frontmatter with `stepsCompleted`:
+
+**Continuation Protocol:**
+
+- **STOP immediately** and load `{continueStepFile}`
+- Do not proceed with any initialization tasks
+- Let step-01b handle all continuation logic
+- This is an auto-proceed situation - no user choice needed
+
+### 3. Fresh Workflow Setup (If No Document)
+
+If no document exists or no `stepsCompleted` in frontmatter:
+
+#### A. Input Document Discovery
+
+Discover and load context documents using smart discovery.
+
+**IMPORTANT: Track document counts as you discover files.**
+
+Initialize counters:
+
+```
+brainstormingCount = 0
+researchCount = 0
+notesCount = 0
+```
+
+**Brainstorming Documents:**
+
+1. Check: `{output_folder}/*brainstorm*.md`
+2. Check: `{output_folder}/analysis/*brainstorm*.md`
+3. Load completely and extract key ideas
+4. **Update brainstormingCount with number of files found**
+
+**Research Documents:**
+
+1. Check: `{output_folder}/*research*.md`
+2. Check: `{output_folder}/analysis/*research*.md`
+3. Load useful research files completely
+4. **Update researchCount with number of files found**
+
+**Design Notes:**
+
+1. Check: `{output_folder}/*notes*.md` or `{output_folder}/*design*.md`
+2. Load any relevant design notes
+3. **Update notesCount with number of files found**
+
+**Loading Rules:**
+
+- Load ALL discovered files completely (no offset/limit)
+- Track all successfully loaded files in frontmatter `inputDocuments` array
+
+#### B. Create Initial Document
+
+**Document Setup:**
+
+- Copy the template from `{briefTemplate}` to `{outputFile}`
+- Initialize frontmatter with proper structure:
+
+```yaml
+---
+stepsCompleted: []
+inputDocuments: []
+documentCounts:
+  brainstorming: { { brainstormingCount } }
+  research: { { researchCount } }
+  notes: { { notesCount } }
+workflowType: 'game-brief'
+lastStep: 0
+project_name: '{{project_name}}'
+user_name: '{{user_name}}'
+date: '{{date}}'
+game_name: ''
+---
+```
+
+#### C. Present Initialization Results
+
+**Setup Report to User:**
+
+"Welcome {{user_name}}! I've set up your Game Brief workspace.
+
+**Document Setup:**
+
+- Created: `{outputFile}` from template
+- Initialized frontmatter with workflow state
+
+**Input Documents Discovered:**
+
+- Brainstorming: {{brainstormingCount}} files {if brainstormingCount > 0}loaded{else}(none found){/if}
+- Research: {{researchCount}} files {if researchCount > 0}loaded{else}(none found){/if}
+- Design notes: {{notesCount}} files {if notesCount > 0}loaded{else}(none found){/if}
+
+{if any_documents_found}
+I'll use these documents to give us a head start on your game brief.
+{else}
+We'll start fresh and build your game vision together through conversation.
+{/if}
+
+Do you have any other documents you'd like me to include, or shall we continue?"
+
+### 4. Present MENU OPTIONS
+
+Display menu after setup report:
+
+"[C] Continue - Save this and move to Game Vision (Step 2 of 8)"
+
+#### Menu Handling Logic:
+
+- IF C: Update frontmatter with `stepsCompleted: [1]`, then load, read entire file, then execute {nextStepFile}
+- IF user provides additional files: Load them, update inputDocuments and documentCounts, redisplay report
+- IF user asks questions: Answer and redisplay menu
+
+#### EXECUTION RULES:
+
+- ALWAYS halt and wait for user input after presenting menu
+- ONLY proceed to next step when user selects 'C'
+
+## CRITICAL STEP COMPLETION NOTE
+
+ONLY WHEN [C continue option] is selected and [frontmatter properly updated with stepsCompleted: [1] and documentCounts], will you then load and read fully `{nextStepFile}` to execute and begin game vision discovery.
+
+---
+
+## SYSTEM SUCCESS/FAILURE METRICS
+
+### SUCCESS:
+
+- Existing workflow detected and properly handed off to step-01b
+- Fresh workflow initialized with template and proper frontmatter
+- Input documents discovered and loaded
+- All discovered files tracked in frontmatter `inputDocuments`
+- **Document counts stored in frontmatter `documentCounts`**
+- Menu presented and user input handled correctly
+- Frontmatter updated with `stepsCompleted: [1]` before proceeding
+
+### SYSTEM FAILURE:
+
+- Proceeding with fresh initialization when existing workflow exists
+- Not updating frontmatter with discovered input documents
+- **Not storing document counts in frontmatter**
+- Creating document without proper template structure
+- Proceeding without user selecting 'C' (Continue)
+
+**Master Rule:** Skipping steps, optimizing sequences, or not following exact instructions is FORBIDDEN and constitutes SYSTEM FAILURE.