It's finally here! Mac and Linux fans can rejoice, the first release version of Hacknet on your platforms is now available on Steam! We would like to thank everyone for their patience while waiting for these new versions - Hacknet runs on a custom engine, and getting it to behave correctly on platforms outside of the Windows architecture was no mean feat. In fact, we called in the big guns and sourced help from Ethan "flibitijibibo” Lee, utilising his FNA framework. Hacknet is actually the very first game for release under the completed FNA library, which is very exciting! A huge shout out to all of those who have helped us beta test the Mac and Linux version of the game. It's because of your help that we were able to squash the bugs, get the game running, and now to have it in the hands of the wider community. Without you, this would have taken a whole lot longer to make it a reality. It's also worth noting that Windows users will benefit from these two new releases also - bending the existing engine meant that we were able to get some more performance out of it, and fix some of the niggling issues that still persist for some users. Now that we have a unified build, bug fixes and tweaks will be easy to implement across all platforms. Finally, if you do experience some bugs on Mac and Linux specifically, please throw them into this Mac & Linux Bug Report thread so we can track them specifically. For the next week this is our focus, to make sure that any issues can be dealt with once we get more people playing on these platforms with a wider range of hardware specs. Until next time! Steve - Community Manager

[ 2015-12-18 18:15:47 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hacknet is an immersive, terminal-based hacking simulator for PC. Dive down a rabbit hoIe as you follow the instructions of a recently deceased hacker, whose death may not have been the accident the media reports. Using old school command prompts and real hacking processes, you’ll solve the mystery with minimal hand-holding and a rich world full of secrets to explore.

Bit, a hacker responsible for creating the most invasive security system on the planet, is dead. When he fails to reconnect to his system for 14 days, his failsafe kicks in, sending instructions in automated emails to a lone user. As that user, it’s up to you to unravel the mystery and ensure that Hacknet-OS doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

Exploring the volatile nature of personal privacy, the prevalence of corporate greed, and the hidden powers of hackers on the internet, Hacknet delivers a true hacking simulation, while offering a support system that allows total beginners get a grasp of the real-world applications and commands found throughout the game.

Features

Real Hacking
Based on actual UNIX commands, Hacknet focuses on real hacking, not the Hollywood-style version of it. This creates a truly immersive experience and puts players right in the thick of trying to break through the firewalls.

Unlock the mystery of Bit
A hacker is dead and the media reports don’t add up. When you are contacted by his “ghost” - an automated failsafe system - you’re drawn into the dark and murky world of underground hackers.

Full immersion
You are thrust into a persistent virtual world with no “levels” or obvious game elements to break the illusion. Follow the guidance of the emails from Bit or just dive down the rabbit hole, chasing down clues and snippets of information you find as you explore different systems.

Accessible but uncompromising
Whilst not holding your hand or dumbing down, the design of the game and the learning curve enables those with no prior terminal experience to enjoy it whilst delighting those in the know.

Killer tunes
Hack to the beat of a soundtrack featuring underground artists including Carpenter Brut (Hotline Miami) and Remi Gallego (AKA The Algorithm).
Soundtrack produced in association with The Otherworld Agency.