[Hack Wars (Beta)] Indie Hacking MMO

bcoe

Hello, Ben here A.K.A (Johnny_Heart). I'm one of the of the developers of Hack Wars, an independently developed Hacking MMO. We're currently moving towards a more open release of the game, which brings me to this forum on the inter-tubes... Long time reader of Penny Arcade, first time poster.

What makes Hack Wars neat?

- Use your own in-game programming language (or don't, it's designed for both types of players).
- Hack other players in an MMO environment.
- Uses Java, so works on Windows, Linux, Mac.
- Some of our proceeds go towards fighting kitten AIDS.

Any ways, I'll keep a close eye on this thread and see what sort of feedback I get.

http://www.hackwars.net -- the address.

Screen Shot: Current Hack Wars GUI:


Notable Game Features:

- In game programming language.
- Battle other computers in a complete PvP environment.
- Setup AI/Scripts to defend your account (and gain XP) while offline.
- Create a website in the fully functional in-game virtual Internet.
- Collect powerful Hardware for your computer off NPCs.

Article Reflecting on the Process of Building an Independent MMO
http://www.hackwars.net/200803/hack-wars-unveils-new-site

My Stats:

Nalouto

bcoe wrote: »

- Some of our proceeds go towards fighting kitten AIDS.

I really really hope this was supposed to be funny. I'm a bad person if it's not.

bcoe

Kitten AIDS is one of the great problems facing our generation.

Nalouto

then I am a bad person.

anyways... what's this about a hacking MMO?

bcoe

What's that! you have heard of Hack Wars, why Hack Wars is the online Java-based Hacking MMO, where you take control of your own virtual computer

Forar

You say you've lurked here. I'm sure you're well aware of the readership of the Penny Arcade comic, and even at a fraction of that, the significant number of people who read the forums day to day, lurking and posting alike.

What I'm getting at is that it's nice to have a developer wander in here, but isn't there more you can say about Hack Wars than "hey guys, here's the site, go wild"? Look at the LOTR:O thread; first post is a treasure trove of screenshots and information.

You're in the know, you've got the 411, break through to us. Wow us. Awe the jaded WoW players here that are chomping to pick up something fresh, new and amazing.

lowlylowlycook

Thanks, Forar but I don't actually work for Turbine. heh

bcoe

Deal, I will clean up my first post with some nice pictures -- as per your advice

Forar

lowlylowlycook wrote: »

I don't actually work for Turbine.

That's kinda my point.

Edit: *thumbs up* to the new OP.

Norgoth

so what makes this different from say slavehack?

bcoe

Hack Wars has a built in programming language and web-browser which allows for highly customizable player content. Also, I believe Slavehack is a browser-based PHP game where-as Hack Wars is a fully developed Java Applet, allowing for more real-time MMORPGish play.

Pjstelford

It is certainly interesting, but not very new player friendly.

bcoe

Pjstelford wrote: »

It is certainly interesting, but not very new player friendly.

Yes, help for noobs is something we've really been working to improve -- have you seen the Youtube video? The nature of the beta process has been having us change gameplay on a regular basis, adding features, fixing problems , so the manual does have a tendency to lag behind a bit, unfortunately... The player's are also helpful in the chat, if you are otherwise lost (most important note: you don't have to program ;-) the number one player on our leader's board doesn't).

Pjstelford

bcoe wrote: »

Pjstelford wrote: »

It is certainly interesting, but not very new player friendly.

Yes, help for noobs is something we've really been working to improve -- have you seen the Youtube video? The nature of the beta process has been having us change gameplay on a regular basis, adding features, fixing problems , so the manual does have a tendency to lag behind a bit, unfortunately... The player's are also helpful in the chat, if you are otherwise lost (most important note: you don't have to program ;-) the number one player on our leader's board doesn't).

Oh don't get me wrong, the player base has been incredibly helpful (except Cold, Cold is a bad man). There are simply things that aren't intuitive.

1.) Programs are one install only.
2.) The reason you're unable to deposit cash? Might have to do with your bank program being fubarred.
3.) Other things. If you want later I'll do a full rundown of problems I've experienced and observed others experience. You guys are doing a great job here.

JNighthawk

It's... decent. I played a month or two ago. The in-game "programming language" is more of a list of commands. You can't do anything really clever with it and being a better programmer doesn't mean you're better at the game.

I was sorely disappointed at the depth (quite shallow) of the programming involved. The challenges, however, are decent. I just wish there were hard ones :-)

MoSiAc

I'm having fun just goofing off with the community. I don't really get the programming part at all which is going to quickly lead to my downfall.

Pjstelford

MoSiAc wrote: »

I'm having fun just goofing off with the community. I don't really get the programming part at all which is going to quickly lead to my downfall.

Nah, we're having good times you and I.

Bcoe, if you and the other developers are actively looking for tester input/suggestions beyond people simply playing it as another free game, please drop me a line.

bcoe

JNighthawk wrote: »

It's... decent. I played a month or two ago. The in-game "programming language" is more of a list of commands. You can't do anything really clever with it and being a better programmer doesn't mean you're better at the game.

I was sorely disappointed at the depth (quite shallow) of the programming involved. The challenges, however, are decent. I just wish there were hard ones :-)

We've been working very hard on this, the programming language now allows global variables between scripts, File IO, HTTP forms and Get for your website, and other cool stuff