I know that code, music, assets aren't counted as a word count but does the word count include link texts (next buttons not choices), texts from game menu options (character bio and intro page etc) or will this all be calculated for the word count as well?

Are we allowed to brainstorm ideas prior to June 1st and start collecting assets that might be used for the game before then or is it to be done only from June 1st?

Thanks!