234 THE GAME PRODUCTION HANDBOOK, 2/E
that is refined in iterations, until it becomes a final working version that ships in
the game.
Other things to consider before beginning a prototype (especially a software
one), are the primary objectives and the target audience. For example, will the
prototype demonstrate a vertical slice of gameplay—which entails implementing
elements that provide a representative sample of the final gameplay experience.
This includes key gameplay mechanics with proper play balancing, polished art
assets (including UI, key character models, and a playable level), representa-
tive audio assets, and key demonstrations of technology innovations (for example
physics-based gameplay). A vertical prototype is strongly recommended ...