Who: Surprise Attack Games & Team Fractal Alligator

What:  TERMINAL-BASED HACKING GAME A HUGE SUCCESS FOR SOLO AUSSIE DEVELOPER. “NICHE” PET PROJECT GROSSES MORE THAN AU$650,000. OFFICIAL SOUNDTRACK LAUNCHES TODAY TO CELEBRATE.

Where: Melbourne, Australia

When: 10:00 PST, Tuesday October 20, 2015,

Details: Flying in the face of the “indiepocalypse”, Adelaide-based developer, Matt Trobbiani, has quit his job and gone full-time indie after Hacknet, the terminal-based hacking game he built in his spare time, grossed more than AU$650,000 in its first 10 weeks. To celebrate, the soundtrack to the game has been released for purchase today.

The pumping soundtrack, produced in conjunction with The Otherworld Agency, and featuring underground artists such as Carpenter Brut (Hotline Miami) and Rémi Gallego (of the heavy metal act The Algorithm), is now available to purchase via Steam and Bandcamp for US$9.99.

Gamers who have not yet picked the title up have an opportunity to get a 25% discount on the game and soundtrack in this week’s Midweek Madness promotion on Steam, live now until 10:00am PST Friday 23 October, 2015.

Hacknet is a terminal-based hacking game using real UNIX commands and abstractions of real hacking processes. In addition to acclaim from gamers, the education industry has also taken notice. SIMTecT Australia applauded its educational applications in teaching technical and digital security skills and awarded the game its Serious Games Indie award for simulation and education game products in August 2015.

Trobbiani, aka Team Fractal Alligator, developed Hacknet over the course of three years in the spare time from his job developing military simulation software. Picked up by Australian indie label, Surprise Attack Games, it launched on PC on August 12, 2015. Trobbiani is now dedicated 100% to supporting and expanding the game. Support for Mac and Linux is expected by end of the year whilst his development wish-list includes mod support, localisation and a discreet competitive multiplayer mode.

Australian fans can meet Matt in person at PAX Australia, where it will be exhibited as part of the PAX Australian Indie Showcase.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Hacknet, a hacking game for PC, has grossed more than AU$650,000 since launch.
• More than 60,000 gamers have purchased the “niche” game.
• SimTecT Australia recognised the game’s educational value with its Serious Games Indie award.
• Australian solo developer, Matt Trobbiani, has quit his job to go full-time indie.
• The killer soundtrack to the game has today launched via Steam and Bandcamp.
• Available now for PC, support for Mac and Linux to be added before the end of 2015.
• On sale in Steam’s Midweek Madness promotion now with 25% discount.
• Hacknet is exhibiting at PAX Australia in Melbourne from Oct 30 - Nov 1

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Media Assets: Available via our press kit()

Press Builds: review builds available now. Request a Steam code via distribute()

Price: US $9.99

Soundtrack Price: US $9.99

Deluxe Edition (game + soundtrack): US $14.99

Contact: for questions or interviews, please contact [email protected]

LINKS:

Website: http://www.hacknet-os.com

Press Kit: http://surpriseattackgames.com/presskit/sheet.php?p=Hacknet

Trailer: https://youtu.be/FgDmU7Pb96Y

Twitter: http://twitter.com/hacknetOS

Purchase Links:

Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/365450/

Humble: https://www.humblebundle.com/store/p/hacknet_storefront

GOG: http://www.gog.com/game/hacknet

MORE INFO ON HACKNET

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.

Hacknet is available now on PC via Steam and the Humble Store. Mac and Linux versions were heavily requested after the announcement of the game and the developer is now working on supporting those platforms as soon as possible.

KEY 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 Rémi Gallego (of The Algorithm).