Weirdows '98 was my final project for Building Virtual Worlds, a course I took during my immersion semester at the ETC. Weirdows was developed for ETC Fall Festival. The prompt for the project round was to use alternative or custom hardware. My idea for my team was this; create a hacking game where you have to break into a 90's PC that actively breaks down as the game progresses. The game went on to be a finalist at the alt.Ctrl exhibit at GDC 2024

Attending #GDC2024? Drop by Alt.ctrl.GDC in the Expo, booth N2603, to see Weirdows '98. Created for the fall BVW class, Weirdows '98 is a game about an operational "fake computer" that players must interact with to progress through the game.Thanks to Howard for the pictures! pic.twitter.com/ZMA3IF5VwL
— CMU's Entertainment Technology Center (@cmuetc) March 20, 2024

I built a custom controller consisting of a hollowed out beige PC case I got from an electronics recycling event, an Arduino Uno, and a bunch of other garbage, that would act as the centerpiece of the experience. The premise of the game is that you are a disgruntled employee, looking through your boss' computer for blackmail. Over the course of the game, the computer will begin to revolt, and players must search both the digital and physical world for solutions. Pieces of hardware are fully dislodged and must be re-seated. Obscure error codes must be cross referenced with user manuals. The computer overheats and begins to emit real smoke! Hack your way to your prize and get revenge on your scuzzy boss, Marvin Meels.

Weirdows '98 is currently on display at the Cleveland Public library.

Credits:
Samantha Trimboli - Art / Production
Howard Hou - Programming
Charlotte Ai - Art
Me - Programming / Hardware
Albert Guo - Sound

Weirdows '98, Retro Computing Puzzler!