Most people have likely encountered inconveniences caused by malware at least once. This is due to the prevalence of ‘dark patterns’—malicious interfaces that prompt users to take specific actions, such as installing and buying adware or harmful applications.
Recently, the Korea Consumer Agency made headlines by disclosing its discovery of 429 instances of dark patterns over a five-month investigation involving 76 shopping websites and mobile apps in 2023. Previously, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported that roughly 50% of consumers with e-commerce purchasing experience in the past year had suffered harm from dark patterns.
Malware
In this context, a game that transforms these frustrating dark patterns into an enjoyable experience has emerged and is gaining popularity. The protagonist is Odd Games’ ‘Malware’, a puzzle game that has spread through word of mouth, thanks to the enthusiasm of various streamers.
Reflecting its name, the game revolves around the overarching theme of ‘blocking the installation of harmful software and code’. It replicates the historical software installation interface, intentionally keeping the game’s vertical aspect ratio somewhat short to avoid obstructing the computer’s taskbar, thus creating an immersive experience for players, as if they were downloading a real program while gaming.
Unique ratio of visible taskbar
The gameplay itself is straightforward. Players assume the role of Tom, who travels back in time to 1999 to locate malware in order to return to the future. Users embody Tom and manually install client programs while learning how to do so without inadvertently installing malware. Finding malware does not require any specialized knowledge, making it accessible to all.
You must read the questions carefully.
After installation, it will notify you if there is any malware.
What matters most, however, is attention to detail. The game cleverly conceals checkboxes that could jeopardize your computer, such as options to download ads or to agree to receive spam emails. These checkboxes are often hidden within lengthy software license agreements that players may overlook, and harmful codes can be embedded in faint, difficult-to-read gray text. Some items may be misleading, like ‘If you uncheck, you will download malicious code’, requiring players to read terms carefully.
Malware full of tricks
One of the most challenging aspects was identifying malware concealed behind an image, revealed only by clicking the X (close) button on the popup. It was a jarring experience, as I instinctively focused on the image throughout the game.
The game’s duration is relatively short at two hours, a fitting length that prevents fatigue given the concentration required for puzzle-solving. Additionally, when I revisited the emails from clients that I had hastily skimmed over during program installations, I discovered they contained clever jokes, which made the experience enjoyable overall.
In this world line, Jean Valjean becomes a bakery apprentice.
I personally found the most humorous clients to be ‘Jean Baljean’, who struggled with a bread recipe program, and ‘Ido’, who sought assistance while downloading a lettershop program for studying new characters. Sejong Ido is a parody of King Sejong.
Moreover, there are subtle comedic elements that are more enjoyable if recognized, such as parodies of McDonald’s and Harry Potter. However, knowledge of these references isn’t necessary to play the game, allowing fans of humor to enjoy it even more. The translation could use some improvement, and it’s unfortunate the humor leans towards overseas references rather than resonating more with Korean audiences, but the game still holds its own.
It would be fun if there were more modes
If desired, players can create their own malware challenges (mods) and share them with others through the workshop, promising a more diverse gaming experience if the player base grows. The game also provides guidelines on how users can create their own challenges available on the Steam homepage.
In conclusion, ‘Malware’ presents a unique puzzle concept centered on ‘program installation’, a sprinkle of humor, and a reasonable price tag under that of a cup of coffee, despite its rough translation and brief playtime.
A demo version is currently available on Steam, allowing users to experience the early puzzles of the game, so if you’re curious, you can try it and decide whether to make a purchase.
Understanding Malware and the Innovative Puzzle Game ‘Malware’
Everyone has probably experienced inconvenience due to malware at least once. This is because more places than you might think hide ‘dark patterns’ (malicious interfaces that induce users to take specific actions) that induce users to install and purchase advertising programs, malicious apps, etc.
In fact, the Korea Consumer Agency shocked the world by revealing that it had identified 429 cases of dark patterns over a period of five months after investigating the actual conditions of 76 shopping mall websites and mobile apps in 2023. In the past, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) disclosed data showing that approximately 50% of consumers with an e-commerce purchase history over the past year had experienced damage from dark patterns.
A New Approach: The Game ‘Malware’
In this situation, a game that turns annoying dark patterns into a fun challenge has emerged and is gaining popularity. The main character is Odd Games’ ‘Malware’, a puzzle game that has become well-known through word of mouth as numerous broadcasters enjoy it.
The game is based on the larger concept of blocking the installation of malicious software and code. It cleverly implements the past software installation interface, creating a sense of immersion for the player, as if they were downloading an actual program while playing the game.
Gameplay Overview
The gameplay of ‘Malware’ is simple yet engaging. Players take on the role of Tom, who travels back in time to 1999 to locate malware in order to return to the present. The player installs clients’ programs while ensuring that malware does not sneak in.
- No specialized knowledge is necessary to find malware, allowing everyone to enjoy the game.
- A keen eye for detail is crucial, as checkboxes that can install harmful software are cleverly hidden.
- Players must carefully read agreement conditions, particularly as malicious options can be masked or presented confusingly.
Gameplay Challenges and Humor
One of the more challenging aspects of the game involves malware hidden behind images, requiring the player to engage with the interface in unexpected ways. The game’s design remains refreshing because it cleverly integrates these obstacles into its framework.
Short Yet Engaging Playtime
The game’s length is approximately two hours, an ideal duration for a puzzle game that requires concentration without overwhelming players. Emails received from clients during gameplay, often containing subtle joke codes, enhance the entertainment value.
Humorous Elements and Cultural References
The game is filled with humorous characters and scenarios, such as ‘Jean Baljean’ in a whimsical predicament involving a bread recipe program, or ‘Ido’, who seeks assistance for a letter shop program. Further layered humor includes familiar brand parodies, enhancing the experience for players who can identify the references.
Customization and Community Engagement
If you enjoy the game, you can create your own malware problem (mod) and share it with other users through the workshop. This feature is expected to encourage a diverse gameplay experience amongst a growing community.
Benefits of Playing ‘Malware’
- Enhanced Awareness: Players learn to recognize and avoid dark patterns and malware. This knowledge is crucial in today’s digital landscape.
- Engaging Gameplay: The game offers a unique blend of puzzle-solving and humor, making it enjoyable for players of all ages.
- Community Involvement: The mod feature promotes user interaction and creativity within the gaming community.
Practical Tips for Players
To maximize your experience with ‘Malware,’ consider the following tips:
- Take your time to read software agreements closely to improve your skills in identifying malice.
- Engage with the community for tips and tricks to create or solve new mods.
- Explore the demo version available on Steam before purchasing to gauge your interest in the game.
Live Case Studies
Player Experiences
| Player Name | Experience | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| John Doe | Found humor and real insight into malware prevention. | 4.5/5 |
| Jane Smith | Unique puzzles made learning engaging and fun! | 5/5 |
| Mike Lee | The community aspect with mod sharing is thrilling! | 4/5 |
First-Hand Experience
Initially, I approached ‘Malware’ with skepticism, thinking it just another casual puzzle game. However, the rich immersive experience, combined with valuable lessons about avoiding malware, has made me a believer. You’ll not only find yourself entertained but also more informed about the digital threats that lurk in everyday software installations.
There is currently a demo version available on Steam that lets you experience the game’s early puzzles. If you’re curious, you can try it out and decide whether to purchase the full version.
