São Paulo, Brazil - February 29th, 2024
Brazilian indie game developer Jeferson Silva presents NULLPTR (null pointer), a game that mixes elements from action and puzzle games in order to create a thrilling real time hacking game where every second counts. You play the role of a hacker navigating server grids with the goal of stealing data from megacorporations without being detected. As a hacker you are able to create new entry points using backdoors, bypass security systems and manipulate server layouts to exploit defensive programs' behavior and create safe routes to the databases. A demo of the game is currently available on Steam.
Official Trailer #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MwcG-Rrbmo
Gameplay Video (30 secs): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chUGrRxo2Gk
Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1579650/nullptr/
Game features:
Tension and time pressure: NULLPTR is an action puzzle game that requires careful planning and precise execution. Once you're connected to one of the server's ports, you have 20 seconds to hack security systems, reprogram the server to evade sentinel programs and download data. Your goal is to find or create safe routes to download all databases in each server without being traced.
Choose the best entry point: You start each level disconnected from the server and must choose an open port to start your run. Ports are color coded and give you access to different parts of the server and also to different security systems. Once connected to the server, you have the option to open more ports by installing backdoors that will give you additional entry points to attack the server.
Find the best route: In order to download the server data, you must build a connection from an entry point to the database. The connection length determines the download time so it is wise to choose short routes. You will also need to evade security systems in your route, like firewalls that will block downloads. The route you take and the different node types you include in your path are also important to gain access to different parts of each server.
Exploit sentinel programs' weaknesses: Each server in the game is owned by one of the four megacorporations in the world of NULLPTR. In order to protect their data, each megacorporation has installed their own sentinel programs whose goal is to trace invaders and eliminate them. Each sentinel program reacts in some way to data written on the server nodes or to the hacker's actions. Once you understand how each program works, you can manipulate them by choosing specific routes or reprogramming the server data using the stack memory. The presence of different sentinel programs usually can change a simple level into real challenging puzzles.
Demo info:
- Learn how to find vulnerabilities in security systems in 17 tutorial levels
- Get to know the 4 megacorporations and their motivations by following the narrative
- Hack more than 25 megacorp servers and try to remain invisible
- Face the sentinel programs and find out how to deal with them
- Revisit the stages you've already completed and try to improve your time
Useful links and information:
Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1579650/nullptr/
Estimated Release Date: 3rd quarter, 2024
Official Trailer #1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MwcG-Rrbmo
Gameplay Video (30 secs): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chUGrRxo2Gk
Demo Teaser (15 secs): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcZeDsc9JGI
Press Kit: https://impress.games/press-kit/jeferson-silva/nullptr
About the developer:
Jeferson Silva is an indie game developer from Brazil that loves gaming and started coding simple games in MSX Basic when he was 10 years old, continuing to do so as a hobby until now. NULLPTR is his first commercial game but he has a lot of experience creating small games in different languages, engines and fantasy consoles. In the past, he has participated in coding jam community events like the TIGSource Assemblee Competition with the game "The King, the Queen and the Jester", LudumDare, One Game a Month and SPJam (brazilian jam event).
Jeferson Silva
E-mail: jefrsilva.gamedev@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jefrsilva
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jefsilva
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