Define what Version 1 is NOT. Freeze the feature set. Shipping requires constraint.

Today is not a building day. Today is a decision day. You write down exactly what is and is NOT in Version 1. Then you commit to it. Every feature request from now on gets the answer: "Version 2."
Ami — V1 Feature Lock

V1 Includes:

  • Manhattan base zone
  • Camp hub
  • 3 danger tiers
  • XP banking
  • 1 Boss encounter
  • Tier unlock gating
  • One deeper Manhattan zone

V1 Does NOT Include:

  • Multiple bosses
  • Inventory system
  • Skill trees
  • Story cutscenes
  • Multiplayer
Ida — V1 Feature Lock

V1 Includes:

  • 14-lot base block
  • 3 build tiers
  • Debt cap (-50)
  • Interest pressure
  • Car unlock
  • Second block
  • Tier gating

V1 Does NOT Include:

  • Custom house interiors
  • NPC characters
  • Rental income system
  • Stock market
  • City-wide expansion
  • Create a VERSION_1.md file in your project
  • Write all included features
  • Write all excluded features (explicitly)
  • Read the excluded list out loud
  • Commit to the list — sign it
  • Explain to the instructor: "What is Version 1?"
    •
    Checkpoint

    Both children can clearly explain what Version 1 includes and does not include. The excluded list is longer than the included list.

    This IS the scope definition. No additions after today without removing something.

    Making the included list too long — if Version 1 has twenty features, it's not Version 1, it's a wish list.

    Not being specific about exclusions — "no extra stuff" is not an exclusion. Name every feature you're cutting.

    Thinking "maybe" counts as "no" — "maybe" is "yes" in disguise. If it's not explicitly included, it's excluded.

    Leaving the excluded list vague — the excluded list should be specific and longer than the included list.

    This is the most important non-technical lesson in the course. The ability to say "No" is the difference between shipping and not shipping. Ask: "How does saying No protect the project?" Celebrate the constraint. The excluded list is an achievement, not a loss.