gate-check

Validate development phase readiness and produce a PASS/CONCERNS/FAIL verdict.

Updated Apr 10, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/emcconnell/nova-scout --skill gate-check-emcconnell
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: gate-check
Source: https://github.com/emcconnell/nova-scout/tree/main/.claude/skills/gate-check
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/emcconnell/nova-scout --skill gate-check-emcconnell

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Phase gate validation is critical to ensure the project is ready to advance to the next development stage. It formalizes the decision with a PASS/CONCERNS/FAIL verdict, blockers, and required artifacts to prevent misaligned progress.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Artifact checks across design, architecture, and production readiness, including auto-detect of current stage, configurable review modes, and a structured director-panel assessment workflow.
  • Automatic stage advancement where appropriate (writing the new stage to production/stage.txt) and user prompts to confirm progression, with manual override options.
  • Cross-domain governance for MVP GDDs, ADRs, architecture, QA, and playtest readiness to reduce risk before production.

Quick Start

Run a gate-check for the current phase and report a PASS/CONCERNS/FAIL verdict with blockers and required artifacts.

Frequently Asked Questions about gate-check

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I validate project readiness for a phase gate transition?

You validate phase gate readiness by checking required artifacts, quality gates, and cross-domain reviews to generate a formal PASS, CONCERNS, or FAIL verdict with identified blockers before transitioning stages.

What is a phase gate check in project management?

A phase gate check is a formal readiness validation process that prevents misaligned progress by verifying required artifacts and cross-domain reviews before allowing a stage transition, yielding a structured PASS, CONCERNS, or FAIL verdict.

Can I auto-detect the current development stage before running a gate check?

Yes, the gate check process can auto-detect the current development stage from Concept through Release, automatically assessing the appropriate transition requirements without requiring manual stage specification.

How do I ensure architecture and GDD artifacts pass cross-domain review before production?

Cross-domain governance validates MVP GDDs, ADRs, architecture, QA, and playtest readiness during the gate check, ensuring all required production artifacts clear quality gates before stage advancement.

Does the gate check automatically update the stage file on a PASS verdict?

Yes, on a successful PASS verdict, the gate check can automatically write the new stage to production/stage.txt, while also offering user prompts to confirm progression and manual override options.

What are the limitations of using a formal PASS/CONCERNS/FAIL verdict for stage transitions?

The gate check requires all designated artifacts, quality gates, and cross-domain reviews to be completed prior to evaluation, meaning missing artifacts will trigger a CONCERNS or FAIL verdict that blocks stage advancement until resolved.