diff --git a/docs/features/STATUS_SYSTEM.md b/docs/features/STATUS_SYSTEM.md
index 54374810..2b8ce072 100644
--- a/docs/features/STATUS_SYSTEM.md
+++ b/docs/features/STATUS_SYSTEM.md
@@ -6,6 +6,9 @@ Workspace reference: [`GSP-WORKSPACE.md`](../../../GSP-WORKSPACE.md)
 
 The status system should tell the truth about a server's state without depending on stale marker files or query success alone.
 
+Lifecycle decisions must not use `SERVER_STOPPED`/`Server_Stopped` marker files in game homes.
+Stop intent is agent-owned runtime state, and runtime validation is based on process/session/port checks.
+
 ## Current Direction
 
 The current codebase is moving toward agent-owned structured status.