Document testing lane cleanup, engine test gates, runtime-only workspace state, and remove Audio / SFX Playground from Planned Next - PR_26146_001-testing-lane-policy-cleanup

Author: ToolboxAid

docs/dev/PROJECT_INSTRUCTIONS.md

@@ -326,17 +326,24 @@ Full samples smoke test takes about 20 minutes.
 
 Do NOT run full samples test by default.
 
+Samples validation is on-request or affected-sample only.
+
 Run full samples test ONLY when:
 - shared sample loader/framework is modified
 - change impacts multiple samples broadly
 - correctness cannot be verified with targeted tests
 
+Full samples smoke remains manual/on-request unless the PR broadly impacts sample loading, shared sample framework behavior, or multiple sample runtimes.
+
 Prefer targeted validation:
 - syntax checks for changed files
 - `npm run test:workspace-v2`
+- engine-specific tests when engine/shared runtime code changes
 - affected tool-specific tests
 - affected sample-specific tests only when sample JSON is in scope
 
+Tool tests may use games that exercise the refined tool as targeted fixtures only; do not expand those checks into broad game validation unless the PR changes game/runtime behavior.
+
 Every PR must document:
 - whether full samples test was skipped or run
 - reason for decision
@@ -348,6 +355,7 @@ Every PR must document:
 Workspace manifest/toolState context is the runtime contract.
 
 Rules:
+- workspace state is runtime-only coordination data and must not persist to JSON, toolState payloads, game manifests, or workspace tool contracts
 - game manifest root.tools is SSoT for persisted tool payloads
 - no `workspaceSession`
 - no `games[]`

tools/index.html

@@ -73,14 +73,6 @@ <h3>Replay Inspector</h3>
           </div>
         </div>
 
-        <div class="card">
-          <h3>Audio / SFX Playground</h3>
-          <p>Test timing, simple generated effects, and event-to-sound mapping while building arcade feedback.</p>
-          <div class="meta">
-            <span class="pill planned">Planned</span>
-          </div>
-        </div>
-
         <div class="card">
           <h3>MIDI / Music Playground V2</h3>
           <p>Create and experiment with retro melodies, MIDI playback, sequencing, public-domain music adaptation, and lightweight chiptune composition.</p>