Document 2027 awards roadmap direction

dev/HANDOFF.md

@@ -9526,3 +9526,316 @@ Unreal Engine install status:
     resource/water actors, and 31 variation actors.
   - Linux editor target build passed:
     `AgrarianGameEditor Linux Development` was up to date and succeeded.
+
+## Ground Zero Vegetation Visual Pass - 2026-05-21
+
+- Completed the second `0.2.0 Investor Visual Credibility Baseline` roadmap
+  item: replace or upgrade grasses, shrubs, and trees with believable
+  coastal-scrub vegetation, density, color variation, scale variation, and
+  LOD/performance limits.
+- Active game repo:
+  `/home/nathan/UnrealProjects/AgrarianGame` on `unreal-engine`
+  (`192.168.5.20`).
+- Added native generated vegetation mesh assets under
+  `/Game/Agrarian/Environment/Vegetation`:
+  `SM_AGR_GZ_CoastalOak_Proxy`, `SM_AGR_GZ_CoyoteBrush_Proxy`, and
+  `SM_AGR_GZ_DryGrassClump_Proxy`.
+- Updated `Scripts/setup_ground_zero_demo_map.py` so the Ground Zero foliage
+  pass no longer assigns `/Engine/BasicShapes` or level-prototyping geometry
+  to trees, shrubs, or grass.
+- Updated foliage materials for per-instance color variation, with two-sided
+  shrub and grass materials for better card-based vegetation.
+- Updated `AAgrarianFoliagePatch` HISM settings:
+  trees keep shadows and cull at `65000/95000`; shrubs keep shadows and cull
+  at `28000/52000`; grass disables shadows and culls at `9000/22000`.
+- Updated environment variation actors so dressed canopy and bush variation
+  also uses the new native vegetation meshes.
+- Updated verifiers and documentation:
+  - `Scripts/verify_ground_zero_natural_environment_pass.py`
+  - `Scripts/verify_ground_zero_density_sightlines.py`
+  - `Scripts/verify_native_placeholder_meshes.py`
+  - `Docs/Terrain/GroundZeroNaturalEnvironmentPass.md`
+  - `AGRARIAN_DEVELOPMENT_ROADMAP.md`
+- Verification:
+  - Python compile passed for changed scripts.
+  - Linux editor target build passed after the C++ foliage cull/shadow change.
+  - setup script completed in Unreal 5.7.4 headless `NullRHI` mode and placed
+    96 trees, 220 shrubs, and 420 grass clumps.
+  - natural environment verifier passed: map check reported 0 errors and
+    0 warnings; verifier reported 9 materials, 1 landscape, 17 dressed
+    resource/water actors, and 31 variation actors.
+  - density/sightline verifier passed for 21 critical labels, 6 sightline
+    corridors, 96 trees, 220 shrubs, and 420 grass clumps.
+  - native placeholder mesh verifier passed for Agrarian mesh assets,
+    Blueprint meshes, foliage meshes, and environment variation meshes.
+
+## Gameplay Input Recovery - 2026-05-21
+
+- Pulled latest game repo changes from Gitea before work:
+  `40f7b7e` included a character proxy material update from another device.
+- Investigated broken gameplay controls after the MVP frontend/character
+  selection flow. Blueprint defaults still had the expected Enhanced Input
+  contexts and action references assigned:
+  `/Game/Input/IMC_Default`, `/Game/Input/IMC_MouseLook`, and the move, look,
+  jump, interact, sprint, crouch, prone, and camera-toggle input actions.
+- Root cause: the frontend presentation path stacked multiple
+  `SetIgnoreMoveInput(true)` / `SetIgnoreLookInput(true)` calls during startup
+  and menu display, then only partially unwound them when entering gameplay.
+  That could leave movement, look, sprint, crouch, prone, and other controls
+  ignored after the menu disappeared.
+- Updated `AAgrarianGamePlayerController` so frontend activation only pushes
+  ignore input once per active frontend session, and frontend completion uses
+  `ResetIgnoreMoveInput()` / `ResetIgnoreLookInput()` before returning to
+  `FInputModeGameOnly`.
+- Added `ApplyDefaultInputMappingContexts()` and call it during controller
+  setup and frontend completion so gameplay reasserts the default Enhanced
+  Input mapping contexts after the UI flow closes.
+- Verification:
+  - inspected Blueprint defaults through Unreal Python in headless editor.
+  - Linux editor build passed:
+    `AgrarianGameEditor Linux Development`.
+
+## Frontend Controls And Vegetation Runtime Fix - 2026-05-21
+
+- Follow-up to live demo testing: controls still appeared disabled after
+  character selection, and bushes/trees still read as placeholder boxes.
+- Active game repo:
+  `/home/nathan/UnrealProjects/AgrarianGame` on `unreal-engine`
+  (`192.168.5.20`).
+- Pulled the latest game repo and handoff repo before continuing; both were
+  already current.
+- Replaced the MVP frontend completion path in
+  `UAgrarianMvpFrontendWidget::CompleteFrontendFlow()` so it calls
+  `AAgrarianGamePlayerController::AgrarianSelectCharacter()` and
+  `AAgrarianGamePlayerController::AgrarianCompleteFrontend()` directly instead
+  of routing through console commands. The fallback path for non-Agrarian
+  controllers now resets the ignore-input stacks with
+  `ResetIgnoreMoveInput()` / `ResetIgnoreLookInput()`.
+- Reworked the generated Ground Zero vegetation proxies:
+  - coastal oak no longer uses box geometry for trunk and branch construction;
+    it now uses tapered cylinders, irregular leaf cards, and canopy clusters.
+  - coyote brush and dry grass use more irregular cards and uneven clusters so
+    they read less like test primitives.
+- Regenerated the Ground Zero map and vegetation assets with
+  `Scripts/setup_ground_zero_demo_map.py`; the setup pass placed 96 trees,
+  220 shrubs, and 420 grass clumps.
+- Updated `Scripts/verify_mvp_menu_input_and_quit_flow.py` so it verifies the
+  direct-controller frontend flow and rejects the old console-command path.
+- Verification:
+  - Python compile passed for the changed setup script.
+  - Linux editor target build passed:
+    `AgrarianGameEditor Linux Development`.
+  - Ground Zero setup script completed in Unreal 5.7.4 headless `NullRHI`
+    mode.
+  - natural environment verifier passed.
+  - native placeholder mesh verifier passed.
+  - MVP menu input and quit flow verifier passed.
+- Note: older packaged Windows investor demos will still show the previous
+  controls/vegetation behavior until rebuilt from the new game commit.
+
+## Agrarian Asset Pipeline Foundation - 2026-05-21
+
+- Nathan approved realistic visual asset sourcing from Fab/free, Quixel,
+  CC0/public-domain, team-created, and Nathan-supplied assets. Random scraped
+  internet images/models are rejected unless license evidence is clear and
+  compatible with commercial game use.
+- Created VM staging folders under:
+  `/home/nathan/AssetStaging/Agrarian`
+  - `Incoming`
+  - `LicenseEvidence`
+  - `Approved`
+  - `Processed`
+  - `Rejected`
+- Added repo-side policy docs:
+  - `Docs/Art/AssetLicenses.md`
+  - `Docs/Art/AgrarianAssetPipeline.md`
+- Added `Scripts/verify_asset_pipeline_policy.py` so future edits must keep
+  the approved-source rules, staging path, license tracking, visual direction,
+  and first-priority asset groups documented.
+- Updated `0.2.0 Investor Visual Credibility Baseline` to mark the asset
+  acquisition and ingest pipeline foundation complete before the remaining
+  visual replacement work.
+- First visual sourcing priorities:
+  trees, shrubs, grasses, water/shoreline, rocks/terrain decals, two to four
+  realistic post-collapse frontier humans, and old abandoned equipment being
+  reclaimed by nature.
+- Verification:
+  - Python compile passed for `Scripts/verify_asset_pipeline_policy.py`.
+  - `Scripts/verify_asset_pipeline_policy.py` passed.
+  - `git diff --check` passed.
+
+## Asset Pipeline Free-Only Lockdown - 2026-05-21
+
+- Nathan provided Epic/Fab login details for active-session use only. Do not
+  store those credentials in the repo, handoff, shell scripts, manifests, or
+  long-lived config files.
+- Locked the art pipeline to free/approved sources before any Fab acquisition:
+  - Fab assets must be explicitly free unless Nathan approves a paid purchase
+    in a later task.
+  - Quixel/Megascans, CC0/public-domain, team-created, and Nathan-supplied
+    assets remain allowed when their licensing is clear.
+  - random scraped internet images/models remain rejected.
+- Added `Scripts/verify_asset_license_free_only.py`, which fails if the asset
+  license register contains paid, purchased, subscription, unknown, unclear, or
+  nonzero-cost entries.
+- Updated `Docs/Art/AssetLicenses.md`,
+  `Docs/Art/AgrarianAssetPipeline.md`, and
+  `Scripts/verify_asset_pipeline_policy.py` with explicit free-only guardrails.
+- Verification:
+  - Python compile passed for both asset policy verifiers.
+  - `Scripts/verify_asset_pipeline_policy.py` passed.
+  - `Scripts/verify_asset_license_free_only.py` passed.
+  - `git diff --check` passed.
+
+## Ground Zero Asset Queue And Biome Resource Plan - 2026-05-21
+
+- Nathan asked to start pulling assets for Ground Zero so the investor demo can
+  sell the game on look and feel, and to plan automatic biome selection plus
+  persistent/removable natural resources.
+- Added `Docs/Art/GroundZeroAssetAcquisitionQueue.md` with free-only Fab
+  candidates:
+  - Free Shrubs Pack (Ultra Realistic Wind)
+  - Mediterranean Vegetation: Plant Pack I
+  - temperate Vegetation: optimized Grass Library
+  - Soul: Cave
+  - Modular Rural House & Pine Forest Environment
+- Candidate notes:
+  - some Project Nature assets appeared free but region-unavailable from
+    unauthenticated browsing, so verify through the Epic/Fab account before
+    relying on them.
+  - do not import paid assets or uncertain entitlements.
+- Added `Docs/World/BiomeAndNaturalResourceGenerationPlan.md`.
+  It defines tile biome inputs, weighted biome blends, asset-set selection,
+  persistent world-resource records, durable player removal, and realistic
+  regrowth/reseeding timing.
+- Updated roadmap sequencing:
+  - `0.2.0` now includes the completed Ground Zero asset acquisition queue.
+  - new next milestone is `0.2.A Tile Biome And Natural Resource Foundation`.
+  - land claiming moves after biome/resource foundation because claims will
+    depend on durable tile state.
+- Added `Scripts/verify_ground_zero_asset_queue.py`.
+- Verification:
+  - Python compile passed for asset/biome policy verifiers.
+  - `Scripts/verify_asset_pipeline_policy.py` passed.
+  - `Scripts/verify_asset_license_free_only.py` passed.
+  - `Scripts/verify_ground_zero_asset_queue.py` passed.
+  - `git diff --check` passed.
+
+## Gameplay Control Restore Hardening - 2026-05-21
+
+- Nathan reported controls still did not work while waiting on Fab asset
+  import.
+- Verified actual Blueprint defaults in Unreal:
+  - `BP_AgrarianGameMode` points to `BP_AgrarianPlayerCharacter` and
+    `BP_AgrarianPlayerController`.
+  - controller has `/Game/Input/IMC_Default` and `/Game/Input/IMC_MouseLook`.
+  - character has Jump, Move, Look, MouseLook, Interact, Sprint, Crouch,
+    Prone, and ToggleCamera actions assigned.
+  - input mapping assets contain WASD/arrow movement, mouse look, gamepad look,
+    interact, sprint, crouch, prone, and camera-toggle mappings.
+- Added `AAgrarianGamePlayerController::RestoreGameplayControlState()` to make
+  frontend completion repair all gameplay state through one path:
+  ignore input stacks, game-only input mode, mouse cursor, mapping contexts,
+  pawn visibility, pawn collision, character movement mode, and view target.
+- `AcknowledgePossession()` now restores gameplay control state for newly
+  possessed local pawns when the frontend is not active.
+- Added `AgrarianRepairGameplayInput` exec command as a manual emergency repair
+  path during testing.
+- Updated menu/startup verifiers to require the restore path and no longer
+  accept stale `SetIgnoreMoveInput(false)` / `SetIgnoreLookInput(false)`
+  patterns.
+- Verification:
+  - Python compile passed for changed verifier scripts.
+  - `Scripts/verify_mvp_menu_input_and_quit_flow.py` passed.
+  - `Scripts/verify_mvp_segmented_startup_pause_flow.py` passed.
+  - Linux editor target build passed:
+    `AgrarianGameEditor Linux Development`.
+  - Unreal Blueprint verifier passed:
+    `Scripts/verify_agrarian_player_blueprints.py`.
+
+## Startup Story Sequence And Menu Order Fix - 2026-05-21
+
+- Nathan reported the copyright/studio/startup notice was appearing at the
+  start of the game screen after character selection instead of first boot.
+- Root cause: the old `AAgrarianDemoNoticeActor` was map-driven, so it could
+  overlap or appear out of order relative to controller-owned frontend/menu
+  state. It also kept startup presentation separate from the input control
+  repair flow.
+- Moved startup presentation ownership into `AAgrarianGamePlayerController`:
+  - splash/copyright/studio screen plays first at boot.
+  - a 60-second story sequence plays next.
+  - cinematic credits play after story.
+  - character selection appears only after splash/story/credits complete or
+    are skipped.
+- Added skip behavior:
+  - any key or mouse click advances splash to story.
+  - any key or mouse click advances story to credits.
+  - any key or mouse click advances credits to character selection.
+- `AAgrarianDemoNoticeActor` now has `bAutoShowNotice = false` by default so
+  the legacy map actor does not create a second out-of-order startup overlay.
+- `UAgrarianDemoNoticeWidget` now supports presentation segments:
+  `Splash`, `Story`, `Credits`, and legacy `DemoNotice`.
+- Story direction implemented in text/cinematic motion:
+  post-collapse recovery, knowledge as inheritance, realistic time pressure,
+  and Ground Zero as the beginning of a new history.
+- Verification:
+  - Python compile passed for `Scripts/verify_startup_credits_sequence.py`.
+  - `Scripts/verify_startup_credits_sequence.py` passed.
+  - `Scripts/verify_mvp_menu_input_and_quit_flow.py` passed.
+  - Linux editor target build passed:
+    `AgrarianGameEditor Linux Development`.
+- Note: previous-game skip/loading behavior is still design-only; no saved-game
+  selector exists yet. This startup flow is for the new-game/demo path.
+
+## MVP Pause Save Exit Settings Shell - 2026-05-21
+
+- Implemented the safe menu slice before the deeper settings system:
+  `Resume`, `Save Game`, `Settings`, `Save & Exit`, and
+  `Quit Without Saving`.
+- `Save Game` now issues `AgrarianSaveWorld` and stays in the pause flow with
+  a confirmation screen.
+- `Save & Exit` issues `AgrarianSaveWorld` and then exits.
+- `Quit Without Saving` exits directly.
+- Added keyboard shortcuts for the pause menu:
+  - `Esc` / `Enter` / `Space`: resume.
+  - `S`: save game.
+  - `O`: open settings shell.
+  - `Q`: save and exit.
+  - `X`: quit without saving.
+- Added a settings shell for the categories that should become real options
+  later: units, controls, gameplay, hardware/rendering, audio, accessibility,
+  and account/server preferences.
+- Roadmap updated:
+  - completed pause save/exit/settings shell under `0.2.0 Investor Visual
+    Credibility Baseline`.
+  - added `0.2.F1 Player Options And Settings` for the larger configurable
+    settings system so it is not mixed into the MVP pause-menu hardening.
+- Verification:
+  - Python compile passed for menu verifier scripts.
+  - `Scripts/verify_mvp_menu_input_and_quit_flow.py` passed.
+  - `Scripts/verify_mvp_segmented_startup_pause_flow.py` passed.
+  - `git diff --check` passed.
+  - Linux editor target build passed:
+    `AgrarianGameEditor Linux Development`.
+
+## 2027 Awards Direction Roadmap Update - 2026-05-21
+
+- Nathan set the explicit ambition that Agrarian should be good enough to chase
+  2027 award conversations around visual beauty/art direction and best new game
+  concept/new IP.
+- Updated `AGRARIAN_DEVELOPMENT_ROADMAP.md` with a new
+  `2027 Awards Direction` section near the top of the roadmap.
+- Added production bars for:
+  - visual credibility,
+  - geographic truth,
+  - art direction,
+  - systemic originality,
+  - emotional attachment,
+  - demo discipline,
+  - roadmap filtering.
+- Tightened `0.2.0 Investor Visual Credibility Baseline` so it now explicitly
+  serves the art-direction identity, not just placeholder cleanup.
+- Added early visual credibility tasks for reclaimed human-made set dressing,
+  investor screenshot composition checks, and automated placeholder audits.
+- Verification:
+  - `git diff --check` passed in the game repo.