Software:Uplink (video game)

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Uplink
Developer(s)Introversion Software
Publisher(s)
Ambrosia Software (Mac)
Designer(s)Chris Delay
Mark Morris
Thomas Arundel
Platform(s)Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Mac OS X, iOS, Android
Release
Genre(s)Hacking simulation
Mode(s)Single player

Uplink (also known in North America as Uplink: Hacker Elite) is a simulation video game released in 2001 by the British company Introversion Software. The player takes charge of a freelance computer hacker in a fictional futuristic 2010, and must break into foreign computers, complete contracts and purchase new hardware to hack into increasingly harder computer systems.

The game, which was Introversion's first release, was generally well received in Europe, and was released in North America by the publisher Strategy First as Uplink: Hacker Elite in 2003. Uplink was later ported to Android and iOS systems in 2012.

Plot

In the game, the player assumes the role of a hacker in the year 2010, who begins work for the Uplink Corporation, a worldwide company providing work for hackers. The player amasses money, software, gateway hardware and skill in the course of performing jobs for various clients, and hacking servers of global corporations for profit.

The storyline of the game typically begins with the player receiving a delayed e-mail from a deceased top ranking Uplink agent concerning the research done by a faction within the Andromeda Research Corporation (ARC),[note 1] described as an "anti-capitalist, techno-anarchist" group. The agent was contracted to aid in engineering a destructive computer virus known as Revelation in an attempt to destroy the Internet. A rival company, Arunmor, attempts to counter ARC's plans by developing Faith, a counter virus that can purge Revelation.

The player can choose to side with ARC or Arunmor or even ignore the plot in its entirety, concentrating on freelance hacking, in which case the storyline plays out without the player's participation with Arunmor untimely stopping Revelation, though not before some in-game servers and computer systems are infected and destroyed by the virus.

During the missions Andromeda contracts a hacker to steal files from "The Darwin Project," digital lifeforms that exist and reproduce on the internet. The sophisticated artificial intelligence technology is used to improve Revelation, helping it spread quickly and autonomously. Numerous attacks on ARC and Arunmor systems also occur in the storyline, including a mission leading the chief technical director of Arunmor being framed for bank fraud. The government is also helping fund Arunmor's Faith project, and is closely monitoring ARC, though they lack concrete evidence to warrant raiding the site or arresting any employees.

Regardless of the player's choices, Revelation will eventually be completed and unleashed upon the world, thus beginning the endgame. If the player has supported Arunmor, they are tasked with running a counter-operation, hacking into infected systems and using Faith to restore them before they are destroyed. Revelation is wiped out completely, and the damning evidence against Andromeda leads to a federal raid and the subsequent arrest of suspected staff members in the company, along with a number of Uplink agents. The leader of Andromeda then issues a statement, making no apologies for releasing Revelation; he argues that the internet has become a mere extension of Western capitalism to serve the interest of elites, rather than the bastion of free speech and anonymity it once was. He claims that people will never be safe on the web – their entire lives are on file and anyone can tamper with their personal information at will. The leader denounces Arunmor, claiming they are simply profiteering off the crisis and are a yet another symptom of capitalist overreach. He is sentenced to 8 years in prison, and ARC shuts down operations.

In contrast, if the player supports Andromeda, the group instructs them to unleash Revelation on the world, infecting as many systems as they can to overwhelm Faith and render every computer in the world inoperable. If the player is successful, the virus claims their own Uplink gateway, ending the game immediately and implying Andromeda have succeeded in their goal. If the player fails to cause enough infections within fifteen minutes, federal agents seize their equipment and arrest them, dooming the Revelation project to a premature end.

Style

Uplink focuses on emulating highly stylized, Hollywood-esque hacking, as seen in movies such as Hackers, Sneakers, WarGames and Swordfish. References to these movies can be found throughout the game, including joke servers for companies such as Steve Jackson Games (which in 1990 was raided by the Secret Service) and a nuclear missile control system from WarGames. It also features at least three references to the movie Sneakers, including one which can be found in the first version of the game (and was later removed in an update released by Introversion) which is a cheat code in which the user has to enter "TooManySecrets" (an anagram to the phrase "Setec Astronomy") as the username thus allowing them to access a cheat menu. Another reference to the anagram is the password "MySocratesNote", sent to the player in an e-mail which starts the plotline. In addition, the voice print sections use the phrase "Hello. I am the system administrator. My voice is my passport. Verify me." which is similar to the one Sneakers used.

The applications in Uplink are highly simplified, and almost fully automated, similar to depictions in movies such as Hackers.

Most of the 'hacking' is of the form: "there is a security system of type X, level Y that is stopping me from accessing or changing something I need to access or change, so I need to have an anti-X program of level Y+". There is some need for rapid selection of programs to run, but there is no actual difficulty in running them (provided that one can afford them).

The game has a certain number of unusual features, including an in-game IRC client and in earlier versions a multi-monitor feature requiring another copy of the game running on a second computer. The latter was removed in later versions due to lack of stability and popularity and, as it was called "Network", was often confused with multiplayer gaming (that the game does not offer).

Soundtrack

The game uses several songs originally made in S3M, mod and xm format. The original song files are included on the bonus CD-ROM of the game, a disc that was originally given as a free addition to those who referred the game to others. The disc also includes several songs which were not used in the final game.

  • The Blue Valley by Karsten Koch
  • Deep in Her Eyes by Peter 'Skaven' Hajba
  • Mystique Parts 1 and 2 by Robert 'Timelord' Gergely[6]
  • Symphonic by Simon 'Hollywood' Carless

Release

Uplink was first released in October 2001, and was initially sold digitally and distributed by mail.[7] The game was released for Microsoft Windows and Linux (2012) directly by Introversion, and ported to and released for Mac by Contraband and Ambrosia Software respectively. Chris Delay stated in an interview with PC Gamer UK that they did not pay for advertising of the game at all — it became known purely by word of mouth.[citation needed] A version released in the US was published and distributed by Strategy First under the title Uplink: Hacker Elite. Legal proceedings were undertaken when Strategy First filed for bankruptcy and ceased paying Introversion royalties, but the Hacker Elite version remains available from various sources. The game is now also available via Valve's Steam online distribution service, via GOG.com,[8] as well as via the Ubuntu Software Center.[9] Uplink was also released for iOS on 7 June 2012. An Android version debuted as part of The Humble Bundle for Android 3, on 15 August 2012.[10]

Hacker Elite royalties

A version released in the US was published and distributed by Strategy First under the title Uplink: Hacker Elite.[11] Strategy First ran into financial difficulties, and ceased paying royalties to Introversion shortly before filing for bankruptcy protection, but continued to sell the game in competition with Introversion.

On 20 January 2006, Introversion announced they were taking legal action against all retailers of Uplink: Hacker Elite,[12] except Stardock.[12] It transpired that, while filing for bankruptcy would have caused a breach of contract, Strategy First persuaded Canadian courts to grant a moratorium preventing termination of the contract.[12] Strategy First has resumed paying limited royalties.

Stores and services currently reselling Hacker Elite in North America include:

  • Direct2Drive, IGN's digital distribution service (as of July 2006).
  • Strategy First's online store.

As some versions of Uplink: Hacker Elite have been modified, many game mods and patches will not run with the Hacker Elite version.

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
iOSPC
EurogamerN/A7/10[14]
GamesMaster82%[15]80%[16]
GameSpotN/A7.1/10[17]
GameSpyN/A(2002) 73%[18]
(2003) StarStar[19]
GameZoneN/A7/10[20]
IGNN/A7.5/10[21]
PC FormatN/A81%[22]
PC Gamer (US)N/A80%[23]
PC ZoneN/A70%[24]
Aggregate score
Metacritic83/100[25]75/100[26]

The iOS and PC versions received "generally favorable reviews" according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[25][26]

The editors of Computer Gaming World presented Uplink: Hacker Elite with their 2003 "Adventure Game of the Year" award. They summarized it as "an immersive, original, and suspenseful little game."[27]

Notes

  1. ↑ This email can be discovered by the player before it is sent, providing an alternate path.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Strategy First - Press". 2004-08-18. http://www.strategyfirst.com/press/DisplayArticle.asp?sLanguageCode=EN&iArticleID=2116. 
  2. ↑ "Uplink sur PC" (in fr). https://www.jeuxvideo.com/jeux/pc/00013446-uplink.htm. 
  3. ↑ "Ambrosia releases 'Uplink' computer hacker game" (in en). https://www.macworld.com/article/166377/uplink.html. 
  4. ↑ Usher, Anthony (7 June 2012). "Cult hacking simulation game Uplink now available for iPad" (in en). https://www.pocketgamer.com/uplink/cult-hacking-simulation-game-uplink-now-available-for-ipad/. 
  5. ↑ "Uplink for Android launches...in a Humble Bundle - Introversion". https://forums.introversion.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=43112. 
  6. ↑ Morris, Mark (5 June 2013). "Credit where Credit is Due!". https://forums.introversion.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=39751. 
  7. ↑ Arundel, Tom (19 December 2006). "The Evolution of Distribution". GamesIndustry.biz. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/the-evolution-of-distribution. 
  8. ↑ "Uplink: Hacker Elite". https://www.gog.com/game/uplink_hacker_elite. 
  9. ↑ Sneddon, Joey (24 March 2011). "Introversion adds two new games to Ubuntu Software Centre at special price". Ohso Ltd.. https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/03/introversion-adds-two-new-games-to-ubuntu-software-centre-at-special-price. 
  10. ↑ "So Noice We Did It Throice: Humble Bundle for Android #3 Is Here!". Humble Bundle Blog. 14 August 2012. http://blog.humblebundle.com/post/29462755688/so-noice-we-did-it-throice-humble-bundle-for. 
  11. ↑ "Uplink: Hacker Elite" (in en). https://www.ign.com/games/uplink-hacker-elite. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Tom (20 January 2006). "Who's selling Hacker Elite? IV takes legal action...". https://forums.introversion.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=35392. 
  13. ↑ Luo, Di (August 2003). "Uplink: Hacker Elite". Computer Gaming World (Ziff Davis) (229): 86. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_229.pdf. Retrieved 26 March 2018. 
  14. ↑ Bye, John "Gestalt" (14 May 2002). "Uplink (PC)". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_uplink. 
  15. ↑ "Uplink (iOS)". GamesMaster (Future plc): 111. September 2012. 
  16. ↑ "Uplink (PC)". GamesMaster (Future plc). 2002. 
  17. ↑ Todd, Brett (2 January 2002). "Uplink Review (PC)". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/uplink-review/1900-2835507/. 
  18. ↑ Brooks, Mark (16 March 2002). "Uplink (PC)". IGN Entertainment. http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/february02/uplink/. 
  19. ↑ Rausch, Allen (25 March 2003). "GameSpy: Uplink: Hacker Elite". Ziff Davis. http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/uplink-hacker-elite/5716p1.html. 
  20. ↑ Hopper, Steven (13 February 2003). "Uplink: Hacker Elite Review". http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r19555.htm. 
  21. ↑ Adams, Dan (30 April 2003). "Uplink: Hacker Elite". Ziff Davis. http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/30/uplink-hacker-elite. 
  22. ↑ "Uplink". PC Format (Future plc). 2002. 
  23. ↑ "Uplink". PC Gamer (Future US). 2002. 
  24. ↑ Korda, Martin (21 February 2002). "PC Review: Uplink". Future plc. http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=25189. 
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "Uplink for iPhone/iPad Reviews". CBS Interactive. https://www.metacritic.com/game/uplink/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad. 
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "Uplink: Hacker Elite for PC Reviews". CBS Interactive. https://www.metacritic.com/game/uplink-hacker-elite/critic-reviews/?platform=pc. 
  27. ↑ CGW staff (March 2004). "Computer Gaming World's 2003 Games of the Year (Adventure Game of the Year)". Computer Gaming World (Ziff Davis) (236): 65. http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_236.pdf. Retrieved 26 March 2018. 
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

On February 13, 2025, Freyholtz stepped down as the site lead to move onto new projects, leaving operations to Tracy Poff, a veteran coder on the site, and Atari staff.[18]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
  18. ↑ "An update on MobyGames leadership". 2025-02-13. https://www.mobygames.com/forum/3/thread/269628/an-update-on-mobygames-leadership/#post-269628. 
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