Research and more update (#8)

About a month ago I've written the last blog post about changes. It's now time for another update.

I've put a lot of work into the next update as it revamps a core aspect of the gameplay, software and NPCs, and other systems that are accessible. When I first outlined how NPCs work I realized pretty fast that I must implement some kind of pattern to be able to handle the mass of NPCs. With over 50 NPCs it is not possible to keep track of all the software that is installed on these individually. That is why they are assigned to tiers which themself are again separated into sub tiers. This allows me to preconfigure many parts of these systems from a central point in the code. That way, you should have the right tools to hack a tier 1.2 NPC if you before that hacked an NPC of tier 1.1, etc. I've made changes in these tiers, the highest firewall you can encounter on an NPC is now version 2.7.

But I also had in mind that at the end of every tier the player should be rewarded with something special. And this is one of the first changes in the next update.

Once you mastered the first tier you can get a special piece of software that allows you to research better versions of software you currently have. This is a gamechanger as it allows many things that players could not do before.

First of all, you can get to an even higher software version than ever before. Right, everything can exist from version 0.1 to version 10.0 which in total allows 100 different versions to exist.

Second, it allows you to name and personalize software you research and give it a personal name. If you ever wanted a player to log in to their system just so they find a virus installed named "shrimps computer destroyer" you're gonna like it. But this does not only apply to a player's software, also preinstalled or software sold in shops may have a customized name.

Third, it allows you to license software to you. With a licensed software you are the only one who can continue research with this specific software. Once the software is licensed it cannot be reverted so be careful! In a later update, I plan to add a feature to allow bypassing this licensing but for now, it's final. This also means that you should back up your high-level software somewhere so this is where the already implemented backup providers come in place.

I've also improved the terminal, it is now possible to execute commands by specifying a path to a file which is then executed. so for example you have a cracker at /downloads/cracker.bin you can just call it by specifying the path: /downloads/cracker.bin ssh 1.2.3.4

Also, there is a new terminal command for executing antivirus software from the terminal on other systems, Which leads us to the new missions.

There are three new mission types all focused on the new features. A new whitehat mission is removing viruses from NPCs. You have to upload a specific version of virus cleaner, clean the system and get a reward. this can also affect installed viruses of other players so these kinds of missions have a small PVP aspect. Another mission requires you to send the client a specific executable above a specified version. So for example they could ask for a version 3.4 cracker. They often require an unlicensed piece of software so make sure you have them laying around somewhere.

The third new mission type is a task where you have to install a virus on a target system. The virus is given to you by a client.

I know the current missions can get pretty repetitive after a while and also these are not very difficult, however, I'm planning on implementing more complex ones in the future,

Improvements

Last but not least I've been listening to your feedback and added small tweaks and improvements. For example, NPCs now reset their filesystem every 30 minutes so backup your files on an NPC does not work anymore. Installing a ton of viruses is also not possible anymore as installing a virus requires you to first have done some research with it and having it licensed to you. and then there's only one copy of each virus allowed per system. Another feature many requested is a high score, so the first high score is implemented which shows the capital a user has currently laying around on their bank accounts. I'm planning more like e.g. maximum amount of viruses, money collected, missions done, etc. In the future, all of these will be merged into a score that is used for a general high score.

Also a new virus collector is also part of this update, which fixes the problems of the old one.

Supporting Hackero

Running the hackero servers, paying for domains and mail accounts, etc. costs money and currently, the monthly expenses are at around 60€ per month. I'm expecting them to rise as more players get invited. Since many of you asked if they could help me the best way is actually in supporting me in covering these costs. I'm putting a lot of my free time into hackero and I just love making it. Therefore I've finally made it possible for you all to support the development by subscribing at Patreon. I've been evaluating many plattforms like ko-fi, buy me a coffee etc and I came to the conclusion that this is in my opinion the best way since the costs of hackero are reoccurring.

I've also been thinking a lot about perks since I still do not want to have any paid gameplay features. Therefore the first perks are pretty basic but it's something I've got asked for a few times: I'm offering hackero wallpapers for your desktop or mobile phone.

Something that was also requested is a native application for hackero. Since distributing and maintaining a desktop application is very different from deploying to the browser I've been experimenting around for a while and got a working prototype of a desktop application. This will be the second perk that will be offered through Patreon. I may add more perks in the future, depending on the number of subscribers.

To all of you who would like to support me, I'd like to say thank you! with just 20 people subscribing we can cover the monthly costs and it also allows me to expand hackero even further. Another thing I'm planning is better mail sending so I can notify people who already joined about changes and updates. This is also something you can support me with.

If you've got any questions regarding this please contact me at hello@hackero.io

The Future

After this update, I'm already having more awesome new features in the pipeline. Allowing players to have multiple servers is still something I'm working on, adding remote desktop connections is also something that I'm preparing and a shop for trading customized software and files like bank account info is planned as well. Also, clans are something that is coming. They will offer unique features to work together and making yourself a name. There will also be game features where working together will be important. The NSA will also be represented in the game by monitoring actions so you must be more careful about what transactions you do, and which actions you take.

That's all for now, thank you all for being part of this amazing journey.