Uplink (computer game)

Uplink is a computer game released in 2001 by the British software company Introversion Software.

Uplink takes place in the year 2010, where the player assumes the role of a hacker working for the mysterious "Uplink Corporation". The player gains money, software, hardware, and skill in the course of going about hacking global corporations. Then one day, a deceased Uplink agent working for the Andromeda Research Corporation (ARC) sends the player an e-mail.

This begins one of the main storylines. The player can either work for ARC or its rival company Arunmor. ARC is constructing a computer virus known as the "Revelation Virus", which will destroy the Internet. Arunmor is trying to stop them.

Uplink has generated a certain amount of controversy because of its theme, which some claim influences players to become hackers. The controversy exists even despite the game itself being highly unrealistic, since real hacking requires extensive knowledge and computer skills.

The game was released for Microsoft Windows and Linux directly by Introversion, and ported to the Mac by Contraband and Ambrosia Software. A version released in the US was published and distributed by Strategy First under the title Uplink: Hacker Elite.

Uplink has a strong modding community, with themes, gateways, new sound and image packs, and other additions being made. In mid-2003 Introversion began selling the source code for the game, along with other tools on the Uplink Developer CD. This has led to some gameplay modifications such as the FBI Mod, which adds the FBI server to the game, along with new security systems and missions. Introversion has stopped producing new patches for the game, preferring to leave the job of improving the game to the modding community.

External links

• Introversion Software official website
• Ambrosia Software official website
• Modlink (an Uplink modding Web site)