Which aspect is NOT part of the game state?

The aspect that is not considered part of the game state is when decks are shuffled and ready for play. The game state refers to the current status of the game at any moment, and it specifically includes information about players and game elements that are actively influencing the gameplay.

Players' life totals, cards in hand, and permanents on the battlefield are all key components of the game state. They directly impact the game's progression and the players' strategies. Life totals provide information on how close a player is to winning or losing. Cards in hand can determine what actions a player can take on their turn. Permanents on the battlefield influence interactions and effects that can happen during play.

In contrast, the condition of decks being shuffled and ready for play pertains to the setup phase before the game actively starts or during a shuffle process, and it does not affect the ongoing game state during play. Thus, this is why it is not included in the game state itself.