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Hacksagon

A board game on digital literacy

DESCRIPTION & INSPIRATION

Hacksagon is designed to explore and promote digital literacy, focusing on cybersecurity and encryption. In an era where online security threats are emerging, we wanted to create an engaging way for players to understand key digital security concepts, such as protecting sensitive information, mitigating cyber threats, and using encryption.

Navigating the digital world requires both knowledge and strategic decision-making to stay safe. To convey this, we designed a system where players take on the role of hackers who need to defend against computer viruses using cybersecurity strategies. Players traverse a hexagonal board, collecting or purchasing passkeys, which are secure alternatives to traditional passwords. The use of cryptocurrency as an in-game currency helps us further convey this idea of security since it uses encryption technology to validate transactions, helping us emphasize the importance of secure practices in the digital space.

The game mechanics are built around risk management and strategic planning, reflecting real-world cybersecurity challenges. Players must decide when to spend resources, when to take risks in search of passkeys, and how to best position themselves to defend against viruses. The interaction between players (through competition or cooperation by ganging up on another player) reflects the collaborative and dangerous nature of cybersecurity in the real world.

These mechanics help ensure players not only engage with digital literacy but also develop a deeper understanding of cybersecurity and the importance of digital protection. We wanted to make a game that serves as both an educational tool and a fun experience, bridging both learning and gameplay..
Game Documentation

Project information

  • Category Board Games
  • Creator Rebecca Xiong, Vivian Teo, Jiho Choi, Junhao Zhu
  • Project date Spring 2025
Designed by BootstrapMade