This is Niche Spotlight. In this column, we regularly introduce new games to our fans, so please leave feedback and let us know if there’s a game you want us to cover!
Today’s Spotlight is PacketStorm, an ISP management sim by ProjectorGames.
Build your own ISP in a retro-futuristic 1980s. Start with slow, outdated routers in England and grow your company into an international ISP empire. Gather customers and earn money so you can upgrade your infrastructure to deal with the increasing demand. You can find a trailer for the game above.
PacketStorm is available on Windows PC via Steam for $7.99.
Here’s a rundown of the game:
Many years ago, I learned about Dijkstra’s algorithm – the fundamental building blocks of how the internet works. I was fascinated by these, and attempted to implement it myself. I had such fun (because I’m quite frankly a massive nerd) messing about with nodes and graphs that I decided to turn it into a game, written using DirectX 5 and C++. Years later, I ported it to XNA, but didn’t finish it. Years LATER, I ported it once more to Unity, and after over a decade of off-on development, I’m proud to release the relaxing and zen-like PacketStorm.
In PacketStorm, you play an AI developing a new Internet Service Provider. Each game takes place over a few second of game-time, but potentially many hours of realtime. Buy up routers, upgrade cable networks and deal with packet jams as you earn money to research new and better upgrades. Move from running a small ISP over England to one spanning the entire world.
FREE BONUS – Learn the names and locations of almost every city in the world. It’s like learning, but fun!
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