Have you ever wanted to hack into a computer to steal data, to avoid firewalls and counter-hack programs, all without actually learning how to code?
Now is your chance, with the free release of GridHack!
In GridHack you’ll play the role of a hacker, invading a machine through the weak spots in code, and building your own hacking network to steal data. But you better hurry – you’ll be playing against the counter-hack program, which can introduce firewalls, freeze or corrupt your network and more.
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You can download the GridHack free version here.
Why is GridHack Free
Almost exactly three years ago, I released an article which included a number of games that were in various stages of playtesting and design. I wanted to give people something fun to do, and spread some during a global pandemic.
From that post, Dwarf Mine has been developed into a full game (with expansions), and I’ve spent a lot of time on Star Solo. However, I’ve always felt GridHack was in a good enough spot to get its own focused release. So, on a dreary February morning earlier this month, I decided I was going to give GridHack what I thought it deserved – a full release for a free version.
At some point I may plan on cleaning up the rules, adding some art and graphic design, and releasing a puzzle-book or campaign for GridHack. However, I’m a bit hesitant – and you can read why below.
GridHack Design Thoughts
I can’t remember the exact genesis of the GridHack design idea. I do know that it had to do with the pre-programmed counter-hack program that you “play against” in the game.
The counter-hack program is a pre-programmed set of actions the game takes against you. The fun in the game comes from knowing what the program is going to do on its next turn, but not knowing where. Being able to anticipate these moves, while trying to “beat the clock” on copying data before the game ends, introduces a lot of tension, and a dynamic game board.
I loved this idea when I was first designing GridHack. I think I’ve done a good job so far of matching the feel of the game with the theme.
I also think this game has a lot of design space included. While the base rules may end up changing if I continue designing the game (I’m not sold on the actions for the dice roll on your turn), I think the puzzle variety is where this game can shine. The fact that the counter-hack program is literally a paper and pencil program gives it a ton of versatility in offering different gameplay experiences. That, combined with new unique counter-hack actions, and I think this game could offer quite a few hours of fun. Of course, this is all providing that the base idea, the core feedback loop, is fun in the first place.
I do have a problem though. I’m not great at designing puzzles. When I first designed GridHack in 2019 I did a lot of reading on creating quality puzzles (shoutout to Peace for the conversation). But then the pandemic hit, my attention shifted to real world problems, etc. 4 years later, I’m still not good at designing puzzles.
This is why I am hesitant to give it the effort needed to do a puzzle book or campaign – I need to learn more. But I also need feedback to see if my efforts are paying off or not.
This free release does two things. First, it gives more attention to GridHack, which I think is a fun game in its current state. Second, it allows me to see if anyone has any feedback, so that I can continue to improve my own design skill, and more specifically, the different puzzles in GridHack.
So, if you have feedback, please reach out to me at paperdicegames (at) gmail.com.
Thank You
Finally, I want to give a big thank you to everyone who is reading, everyone who is joining the mailing list (seriously, lots of fun to be had over there), and everyone who continues to play games. I get so much joy out of watching people play games I design. 2022 was an incredible year for this, and it’s because of all of you!
Paper Dice Games 
I have confused myself about when the game ends in favor of the Counter Hack Program. The rules state, “IF ELSE: At the end of each program, is an IF ELSE statement. This does not count as a step in the Counter Hack Program. Follow the directions to determine how the program responds to your hacking!” (Emphasis added). Using the Beginner game as an example, the last step in the Counter Hack Program is [Oc} (freeze a column). After applying the Freeze action, do I immediately go to the IF ELSE: BOX and draw a tally in the box AND, If that is the fifth tally, do I immediately lose? Or, after applying the Freeze action, is it the Hacker’s (my) turn and the IF ELSE: box is visited after my turn? In the first case, it seems odd that the Counter Hack Program is taking an action on the grid when the game is really over following my fifth turn preceding the [Oc] step. If I haven’t won by the time the Counter Hack Program reaches step [Oc], I have lost no matter what follows. Please clarify when the game ends.
When the IF ELSE: box instruction “Restart Counter Hack Program” applies, is the first step in the Counter Hack Program executed immediately or is it executed after a next turn by the Hacker (me)? Please clarify the turn sequence from executing the last Counter Hack Program step to the IF ELSE: box and to the restart of the Counter Hack Program.
When placing a Node the rules say, “Link two adjacent squares from this node to your network.”. My perhaps too literal reading is that both new links must be created in empty squares adjacent to the Node only. However, my liberal interpretation is that each of the two new links may be created in any empty square adjacent to any square in the network connected to the new Node, including creating the second new link in an empty square adjacent to the new link placed first. This question arises partly because playing the “Beginner” Grid under my liberal interpretation I can collect one data during setup placing the Node at 4,4 and links at 4,5 and 4,6. Also, if literal, it may not be possible to create both new links adjacent to the new Node. Please clarify where the two new links may be placed.
Please confirm, a new Node is created in an empty square adjacent to a network square and not in an online network square as required for bugs. (Sorry to ask what may be obvious but since I am here…)
At the games beginning, the only squares with data in them are the eight squares on the grid containing the data symbol. The rules specify that squares containing data can not be corrupted by the Counter Hack Program. During the game, the Hacker may place an online link on a square containing data to copy the data. Since the data is copied rather than taken, the data remains present in that square. Can the online link that copied the data still be Corrupted if targeted? If the online link is Frozen, is the data that was copied lost and can no longer be counted as data collected?
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Hey John,
For the Counter Hack Program, each box after an arrow represents a turn. So near the end of the game on the “Beginner” grid, the Counter Hack Program would do the [Oc] action on it’s turn. Then, on it’s following turn, it would follow the if/else statement. It would restart again at step 1, or if five tallies have been reached, the game would be over.
For placing a new Node, that’s a keen observation – it’s ambiguous in the rules. My intent aligns with the liberal interpretation you outlined above. You are also correct (if I am understanding correctly), that a new node can be created in an empty square adjacent to a network square.
Your final question about data and bugs is also a good one. You are correct, the data continues to exist on the square, even if something else has been placed on the square. Once the data is copied, you have fulfilled in copying 1 of the required data. This is not taken away from you, even if that square is later frozen.
Thanks again for the questions, I hope this helps! And thanks for being fans of games!
-James
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Thanks for addressing each of the questions I posed. I have been playing consist with the answers you provided. I am enjoying the game. It works well as a roll and write.
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