Shall we play a game? Here's everything you need to know.
Hacker Games is a two-day competitive gauntlet of retro-hacking challenges — code cracking, signal identification, wardialing, typing under fire, and strategic simulations including Operation Darkline and Global Thermonuclear War. No hacking experience required. If you can read a screen and think fast, you can compete.
| Day 1 — Friday, Aug 7 11:00 – 18:00 |
Qualifying — online scoring. Log in and play any of the games as many times as you like. Every game feeds one shared scoreboard. Your best scores rank you. |
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| Day 2 — Saturday, Aug 8 11:00 – 18:00 |
Head-to-head bracket. Friday's leaderboard seeds a tournament bracket. Competitors face off 1-v-1 in live duels across the game lineup — same game, same seed, best score wins the match — until one champion remains. Featured duels go up on the big screen. |
Do I need to be a hacker or know how to code?
No. The games test speed, pattern recognition, and nerve — not programming. Tutorials are built into each game.
What do I need to bring?
A laptop is best; most games also work on a phone. Just get on the network and go to adaptrdie.com.
Does it cost anything?
No. Playing is free.
Do I play solo or on a team?
Friday qualifying is individual. Saturday's bracket is seeded from individual Friday scores. Some live events (like Operation Darkline) run as team investigations — your operator will brief you on site.
How do Saturday's matchups work?
The show-runner pairs competitors for each duel. Both players get the same challenge and the same clock; the higher verified score advances. You'll be called when it's your turn.
What if I can only come one day?
Friday only: your name still stands on the leaderboard. Saturday only: show up early — walk-in bracket slots may open if seeds don't show.
Can I just watch?
Yes — featured duels and the live scoreboard broadcast on the big screen, and at adaptrdie.com/view.
What do winners get?
Prizes announced at the event. Glory is guaranteed.
Can I use a bot or script?
No. The system detects non-human play and zeroes its points. Humans only — see the rules.