[HackerSim] Implement in-game programming languages for automation and scripting

Hello everyone! 👋 My name’s Kajetan, and I’ve been obsessed with cybersecurity since I was a kid. For the past five years, I’ve worked professionally in the field — but I’ve always wanted to play *the* hacking game that truly captures the feeling of being behind the terminal: exploring networks, exploiting vulnerabilities, and outsmarting digital defenses. Sadly, most “hacking games” never really feel real — they either simplify things too much or forget the fun. That’s why I decided to build my own dream project: a **browser-based MMO hacking simulator** that merges **authentic cybersecurity mechanics** with **addictive, gamified gameplay**. 🧠 **What Is This Game About?** Think of it as **“Escape from Tarkov” meets Linux terminal** — but for hackers. You’ll step into a **simulated cyberworld** filled with players, NPC corporations, vulnerable systems, dark markets, and missions. Every line of code you type in the virtual terminal feels real. Every exploit, every breach, every countermeasure — all simulated to mirror real-world cybersecurity concepts. It’s not just a game. It’s also a **fun and interactive way to learn** about how hacking *really* works — safely, legally, and playfully. ⚙️ **What’s Already Working** Even though I’m a solo developer working after my day job (yep, I’m a carpenter working 10h shifts by day and coder by night!), I’ve already built the foundation: # 🖥️ Virtual Desktop Environment Fully interactive cyberpunk-style desktop with CRT effects and glowing terminal. Taskbar with icons for **Terminal, Browser, Network Scanner, Missions, Market, Chat, Clans, Files.** Draggable, windowed apps — like a real OS. # 👤 Player System * Secure registration and login. * Player profile with **level, XP, currency, reputation, and hardware stats.** * Upgrade CPU, RAM, and network speed. * Real-time online status. # 💻 Hacking Mechanics A full 6-step hacking pipeline: 1. **Scan** – Discover open ports and targets. 2. **Enumerate** – Find vulnerabilities. 3. **Exploit** – Gain initial access. 4. **Escalate** – Get admin privileges. 5. **Persist** – Install backdoors. 6. **Exfiltrate** – Steal data for rewards. Plus: * Randomized targets with unique OS/services. * Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS/EDR) that can spot you. * Forensics logs for defenders to analyze. # 📱 Applications * **Terminal:** Fully simulated Linux-like shell with filesystem, simulated GUI with all mechanics & animations, history, and commands. * **Network Scanner:** Detect players, NPC servers, and filter by difficulty. * **Missions:** Tiered challenges with XP and rewards. * **Dark Market:** Buy exploits, scripts, and zero-days (common → legendary). * **Regular Market:** Buy PC parts to upgrade your hardware, buy courses to make your perks faster * **Chat:** Real-time communication with global and clan channels. * **Clans:** Join hacker groups, track members and reputation. * **Files:** Browse a virtual filesystem with logs, scripts, and loot. # 📊 Backend **PostgreSQL + Drizzle ORM** * Persistent data for users, missions, exploits, chat, clans, and security events. * Real-time multiplayer sync via WebSockets. * Game is able to handle tousands of players at once, so the more of us the better! 🌍 **Future Vision** This is just the beginning. My ultimate goal is to build a **living cyberworld** — where every player, NPC, and organization interacts dynamically and is **totally unique**. Game will be F2P, but with paid cosmetics or specific 'DLC' features like owning own company or other 'side-gigs'. In the future I would love to make happen somehow to player earn by playing if they use enough creativity and dedication to the game. Game would be both idle and active - so, you can automate things or have some options to still progress when you are away, so even if you are short in time you can still enjoy all aspects of the game and don't be left behind. # Planned features include: * **Fully working in-game programming language** – Game would contain two main virtual languages. One system-based similar to Bash and other for typical programming similar to a Python for easy entry. Create your own bash-like scripts working inside virtual system to automate attacks or utilities. Exploits or virtual website automations would be made by Python-like language. Players could automate their routine or make their own scripts/tools for sale. * **Own Servers** – Host websites or run your own online services. Players could make their own webpages for various purposes using static syntax combination like HTML, CSS and internal scripting language in order to make their own virtual services, personal pages or own virtual shops - total sandbox experience in safe environment! * **Automated vulnerability scanners** (like simulated sqlmap or nmap). * **PvP Hacking Battles** – Attack, defend, and outsmart real players. * **Simulated Antivirus & Firewalls** – Build layered defenses. * **Virtual Crypto Market** – Earn, trade, and even launch your own coin or invest in built-in game coins - market totally ran by players, virtual companies, player companies and game economy. * **AI-powered NPCs** – Talk with AI-driven agents that behave like real hackers, defenders, or journalists. They also have their own PC's with unique files inside and always different set of software / defence level against you and other players. * **Cyber Police** – Get hunted for illegal hacks if you’re not careful or join the force if you are more on ethical side and you care about good reputation. * **World Events & News** – AI-generated headlines about player hacks and market shifts based on losses generated by cyber-attacks or players achievements. * **CTF Tournaments** – Realistic hacking competitions inside the game for virtual currency and once a time for real-money - so it would bring together loyal and strong hacking groups to work together towards winning. * **Cosmetic Customization** – Themes, wallpapers, and terminal skins with total customization in various ways by players. * **Reputation Classes** – Become a Black Hat, White Hat, or Grey Hat and shape your hacker destiny. * **Own a realistic virtual business** \- Make your own cybersecurity, IT, AI, programming etc company, hire other players or AI NPC's with unique personas and skillsets, make company grow on virtual stock market, grow your assets, manage your workers, make your company earn money by selling goods of your choice - bring value to the market, have company infrastructure like servers, website, e-mail - they all can be hacked, so better protect your asset or loose a lot! Own busines can bring you riches or turn you into debt if you play it wrong - this would be a thing for dedicated players. Every company has to have CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) in order to protect their assets - you can either hire hackers to the team or hire AI NPC's to protect your assets 24/7. * **Virtualized SIEM -** There would be literal SIEM for virtualized CERT teams in order to simulate real-life work in Security Operation Center analyzing logs and active threats sent against company. * **Virtual Realistic Malware** \- Players could be create their own malware or be infected by one created by player or generated by AI NPC's or game itself. This would teach people about malware in practical way and understand fully how it works and how to prevent it or not. * **Connecting game to the blockchain -** This would literally allow players to earn money by playing the game. If the assets in-game would have real-life value in form of outside of the game crypto - then game would become pretty much play to earn. This is quite controversial, but I believe that if game requires lots of dedication, learning and time, then player should be able to benefit from this. * **Android-Like Phone Emulation** \- Every player would have their own smartphone with unique virtual phone number, it would have it's own 'operating' system similar to real Android phone. You could call, sms others, npcs for missions or simply hack and defend them. It would be needed also for simulated 2FA like SMS authentication or Authenticator apps. This would be also additional vector for phishing attacks generated by AI or other players in order to fool you and get you hacked. * **Autonomous Virtual World** \- There would be massive virtual in-game traffic made by random unique AI agents with unique personalities, generated looks, lore, hardware, pc contents (random docs, pictures of their virtual pets or family, bank accounts, assets etc). They would make feel the world you interact with totally interactive and quite real - behind your every hack would be some kind of persona - this is kind of moral struggles hackers have on daily basis. …and much more. My notes are full of ideas that could easily fill another few pages, but that's not the point now! I need funds to make these crazy, but doable ideas to happen. My demo was made by 60$ and some of my free time. Imagine if we hit the kickstarter goal of 15,000 Euro how far we could bring the game... If you want to become a part of something big, fun and educational - it's now! 🧩 **Why Kickstarter?** Right now, I’m developing this entirely in my free time — coding nights and weekends after 10-hour workdays. I’ve reached the point where the core concept works, looks how I imagined but I need help to take it to the next level and make it fully working, interesting and one in its kind. **Your support will help fund:** * UI/UX design and server costs * AI and content generation systems * Hiring a part-time artist and sound designer to make it feel unique with dedicated art, great sounds and original soundtrack for players to remember forever * Expanding the multiplayer infrastructure * Monetized AD Campaigns * Moving to other platforms - PC (Steam), Mobile (Play Store, iOS) * Creating professional-quality tutorials and missions teaching real-life knowledge through fun * CTF Torunaments with real money prizes to win * In bright future me going full-time into the project maybe with other passionate people in order to grow this game 10x faster and bigger * Regular updated and delivering ideas I mentioned or even new ones suggested by community Even small one-time pledges like **10$, 25$,** **$50, $100, or $20*****0*** make a world of massive difference. This is an indie project built with passion — every contribution and 100% of funds goes straight into development and project growth. Right now I am funding it only from my own pocket which is very tight, but I truly believe in this game and my skills to make it happen. It's something I dreamed of as a kid and now I am able to do it thanks to years of learning experience of IT, Cybersecurity, programming and game-dev. 💬 **Get Involved** If you have development skills or want to invest, I’d love to hear from you! Bigger investors who contribute very significantly will get **a share of future revenue** or other specific benefit from the project. Contributors can expect special rewards based on their level of contribution. I will try my best to give you a value back in both amazing game and additional nice rewards. Together, we can make a game that’s **fun, educational, and inspiring** — one that introduces a new generation to cybersecurity in a safe, gamified way. Let's make first ever Realistic Hacking Simulator MMORPG. 🔗 **Try the Early Demo** A limited prototype is already available — showing the basic gameplay loop and virtual desktop concept. 👉 [https://hackersim.online](https://hackersim.online) Link to support the project -> [https://ko-fi.com/hackersim](https://ko-fi.com/hackersim) ❤️ **Final Words** I’m just one guy chasing his passion — trying to merge my love for cybersecurity, programming, and game development into something truly unique. If this project speaks to you, please **back it**, **share it**, or **leave feedback**. Every bit of support brings this world one step closer to reality. Let’s make hacking **fun, safe, and legendary. Peace!**