‘Bitburner’ offers players an opportunity to try their hand at basic hacking as a real-life hacking simulator.

‘Bitburner’ is an “open source programming hacking sim” in which players are required to complete a variety of virtual jobs to earn in-game money. Players will be required to hack server networks, develop trading automation bots, and do a variety of other programming-related tasks.

Script screenshot. Image by Bitburner.

The game is in continuing development, with contributions from a large number of developers over a period of years. Scripts are written in JavaScript, however, although previous experience would be beneficial, no previous programming knowledge or experience is required to play the game.

Players can unleash their inner hacker/programmer as they solve “real programming problems” to hack server networks, automate stock market trading, and build up their reputation and skill level. Players can work for, or with, a variety of different hacking and or/development companies and factions in-game to build their reputation and grow their wealth.

Creative ASKII art. Image by Bitburner.

‘Bitburner’ is currently only available on Steam for Windows and macOS, but will soon become available for Linux. In the intervening time, the game developer and publisher, Fulcrum games, has included access to a GitHub repository for the Linux version of ‘Bitburner’.

Bitburner is ‘free-to-play’ and is available to download on Steam. The current download size is under 500Mb with incredibly low minimum system requirements, making the game easy to access for a wide player base and a fun skills-development opportunity.