It sounds like you are talking about fully automated scripts (once you start them you can''t give them any more input). I really don''t like these types of games.

But in the off chance that you arn''t

For non programmer types, make it less script like and more building block like. Each command is a module that you slap togeather to create a "program". You start off with basic comamnds like connect, upload, download, search etc. You then have to find the more advanced commands like dial, unencrypt, encrypt, delete, etc or other players modules and either steal them or trade for them.

For programmer types, make an actual script engine where they can write their own modules.

So everyone starts off with a base computer and a few basic modules. Programmers set up a security system and write there own modules and/or go try to grab other peoples modules. The non-programmer types try to get the better modules.
Also other non-player computer systems out there as well.
While you are connected, other players can attempt to hack your system, etc.

quote:Original post by C-Junkie
Why not play a REAL hacker wargame?

You know, set up ten boxes and let people hack them.

The king of the hill games are real fun. Give anyone a user account, and let them beat the crap out of each other as they scramble to get and keep root access.

I know of several sites that used to do this, but I haven''t looked at them recently.

''hack wargame'' should come up with something on google

The best idea ever

OK so the idea is a console based hacking game, right?
while it doesnt sound appealing to me, thats not the point of the post =)
so on with the ideas!

Right of the bat, if you''re gonna go all-console and multiplayer, then why not recicle an existing MUD engine? you could telnet from anywhere to the server and look even more hack-ish =D

also, i liked the bulding blocks idea. Sounds like something i could get into.

a good starting point would be to determine the objective of the game (objectiveS/quests if its a persistent world... how bout that private dungeon spawning trend of late making into a private LAN to hack in a group?) and from THERE decide the tools you will have at your disposal.

And i liked Uplink. yeah it achieved fun trough balancing simplicity and credibility to a good point. Its a really delicate balance.
Gonna look up DARK SIGNS now

I never played Uplink, or anything of the sort.
But I like the idea of a hacking game.

The only problem would be is there is little to no gameplay, as far as I see. The game would have to have a "point" that is bigger than to just hack the other guy. I was thinking of building a hacking type game, but at this point, don''t have the knowledge of how.

My plan was, there are two sides, and two sides only. All the players could choose either one team or the other. This promotes teamwork. If you get enough users and enough time, there would inevitably be the formations of clans, internet friends, etc, which is always good. It encourages people not to quit too soon. Besides, you can then have the language be very complicated, since clans generally want to train their newbies, and there would be leet people.

With this either one side or the other idea, the game would never be too short lived, and wouldn''t be won for very long. One the flip side, one side would gradually become better than the other and everyone would join it. Perhaps have restrictions on who could join which side. Also, there would be people trading information between two sides, cheating sorta. You''d have to think of how to deal with those.

I have expanded on this idea a lot more, but this is the summary. Ask me for more info if you want.


.:<<-v0d[KA]->>:.

quote:Original post by Onikan
Sounds like the Matrix in the Shadowrun world...

btw...did you know that Microsoft bought the rights to Shadowrun a year ago and its being worked on...hush hush? /drool.

On the point of the post...
ive thought about a hacking game myself. What drew me away was how limited the audience would be if it were just programmers. On the other hand, niche games can do very well.

I was thinking more of an MMORPG with a hacking skill to be able to increase your player''s stats...but The Matrix Online beat me to that

I think the key to what the OP wants to do would take a fine balance of making the interface/commands/gameplay detailed and interesting, while easy enough for novices, yet sophisticated enough for real hackers.

Tough job, but good luck.