Hacker

About this board game

Hacker is a computer crime card game for 2–6 players, with an estimated play time of 120 minutes. Released in 1992, it was inspired by the 1990 Secret Service raid on Steve Jackson Games.

Gameplay is similar to Illuminati, but Hacker uses a shared, ever-expanding Net in the center of the table rather than individual card stacks. Players add cards to this central network as they work to break into systems and claim valuable access.

Use indials to break into systems and gain root access. As the Net grows, players can improve their hacking capabilities, negotiate with other hackers for access, and phreak others onto their systems.

• Build and expand the shared Net.
• Use indials to break into systems.
• Gain root access sites.
• Upgrade hacking tools.
• Deal with other hackers for access.
• Phreak others onto your system.

Hacking is only part of the challenge. Players must also avoid ICE and law enforcement raids while pursuing the greatest number of root access sites. The player who gains the greatest number wins the game.

With its shared network, direct competition for system access, and hazards from ICE and law enforcement, Hacker presents a distinctive take on computer crime and hacking themes. The game was expanded by Hacker II: The Dark Side and later re-implemented as Hacker: Deluxe Edition.