LinuxQuestions.org - Trying To Pool Ideas for a "Virtual Client" based Simulator RPG Project I'm working on.

I had been reviewing some material for my A+ cert, and I had been using the simulator client through TestOut's Client Pro Program to launch a simulated version of a Windows Desktop to complete a preset set of tasks to test my knowledge and familiarity in accomplishing said tasks within a distinct and particular manner, when an idea for a video game had popped up in my mind.

You see, I had been a bit of a small fan of a new Cryptid Registry website that popped up recently that's been having a bit of a rocky startup, with many of their creature entries registered under a "database" under the guise of a mysterious corporation known as the RCP Authority, and I had been trying to communicate with some of their websites' developers of ways to grow their developing Mythos and worldbuilding, when I remembered about my idea for a video game, based on my virtual experiences with the TestOut Virtual Client.

There are some interesting things you can do with the windows client through things like Microsoft Azure, (as well through the base OS,) that would make pretty interesting functions for a video game, squarely organized in puzzles around that fact.

I was thinking of developing an RPG based game where the player starts off as an infiltrating Employee of a subsidiary company to a major head corporation that exploits Terminal functions, Company Intranets, or Operating system Exploits, to access a data bank to send false emails out, filter out information, to piece together a world of secrets out there in the upper management, to "level up" the player and decide the ultimate fate for a big mystery that exists up top, all while avoiding being detected and found, from his office desk, where the entirety of the game is played on.

Aesthetically the game is a 2D based "Virtual Box" where functions and controls are all just mimicking or inspired from real functions of the terminal, with a fake OS Kernal that takes inspirations from the looks of Windows 10, but may or may not take shape after linux distros like Linux Mint or Ubuntu, (though the Main point is really at times parody the theme from windows XP overall.)

The issue I'm trying to figure out is what ways I can engage the player from feeling both like they are progressing within the game, and setting up the puzzles underneath that doesn't require an IT major to understand. There's also that risk factor I'm trying to figure out how to implement that gives the player fear or caution within throughout the game world, (in the sense that they are connecting to a client or drive which they shouldn't be digging into,) that can be properly visually represented from a desktop point of view alone that brings an actual tension to the game as the player progresses. Something that can verify that their actions have consequences within the game world that leads them on edge to being caught or spotted from server administrators without dumbing down game-play too much to compromise the feel of being logged into their own personal computer at home or at work. And I feel personally if this is done right, this might just get somewhere to inspire at least a new method of game genre, or for the very least start a bit of a following for the Universe involved, (That being primarily inspired by and utilizing the Developing Cryptid Lore Community that is the RCP Authority community,) that may develop a new method of storytelling outside of a Registry Number for each Cryptid and story involved.

I'm just bringing my idea here because even though I have entry level knowledge about basic functionalities, (especially within Linux mint,) I just wish to hear if maybe there's some ideas or functionalities you'd suggest that would interest or engage the player, and flesh out some of the puzzles to be a bit more slightly complex than a match 3x3 puzzle to unlock a branch of files within a registry. Because I'm thinking of doing puzzles that would involve having the player type in commands to unlock certain things, insert certain "lines of code" into a file before emailing it to an employee to alter security levels for that player to progress, to leaving certain file evidence on some virtual clients of employees that would allow them to "upgrade their own position within the company," in their universe's real world that they could use to bribe or threaten other employee's management positions within a company to get higher and higher access within security branches to further uncover an underlying mystery of some sort to a multiple of select endings based on the player's choices and how well they executed their plans with or without being caught.

This is all while explaining events that happen within this fantasy cryptid's universe serving to tie or atleast give a beginner's understanding of the community involved, and how their creations can be established in this game for other players to be involved "researching" their entries as they tunnel around in this "Virtual Client server" RPG.

At it's best I would like this to go to a fully fleshed out game that goes somewhere for the players, but worst case scenario, I figure it would be a good engagement for the fans if instead of what appears to be an average image forum posing to be logging entry site for crytids, actually give the aesthetic feel and vibe that they are logging into an HTML5 virtual desktop to explore and transverse the entries within the website itself. Because as of now the site itself, isn't particularly eye catching for now, and without a dedicated board to add visuals and fancy functions within the site to give the website a pleasing ominous appeal, it just appears to look not much different from other website image boards, and dies off with community disinterest. So that's why I'm posting here, because I'd love to start programming and setting something like this up, but I'd like to take more from real world examples from professionals already experienced within the industry of the Real Deal Server Networking staff experience to potentially take inspiration from, or at least hear what they have to say about how and what puzzle ideas can be made from modern day Networking Infrastructure, as well as any other ideas or takes you guys have, and what generally you guys think about the endeavor?

I mean all thoughts and ideas are appreciated, especially since it will more than likely just be me trying to work on this, and depending on developments within the community I take inspiration from, it might just develop into my own little separate thing either way. I'm not sure, I just think there might be something to this, thanks for reading and taking the time to go through my rambling, I really appreciate it regardless...

:D