What problem does it solve? Game teams often commit to full Production without knowing whether the complete game loop can be built at production quality on schedule. This Skill guides an end-to-end vertical slice build that validates pipeline feasibility, architecture decisions, fun survival, and team velocity, producing a PROCEED/PIVOT/KILL verdict that gates the Pre-Production to Production transition. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Scoped Slice Planning: Defines a falsifiable validation question and a 3-5 minute polished gameplay scope covering one complete start-challenge-resolution cycle, with a hard 1-3 week time limit. - Structured Playtest Debrief: Runs guided playtest sessions with one-at-a-time questions covering loop completion, core fantasy delivery, blockers, and pipeline feasibility, supporting silent observation, think-aloud, async recording, and Wizard of Oz techniques. - Verdict and Reporting: Generates a vertical slice report with a velocity log, routes PROCEED outcomes to epic and sprint planning, captures PIVOT notes for design revision, and documents KILL decisions in a project graveyard. - Use Case: After finishing GDDs and architecture docs for a roguelike, run the slice to prove the core combat loop is fun and buildable in two weeks, then use the velocity data to plan the first production sprint. ## Quick Start Ask the AI to run the vertical-slice skill to validate the full game loop for your concept and produce a PROCEED, PIVOT, or KILL report.
