List Of Operating System Games

This is a work in progress.

This is my comprehensive list of games that include a virtual operating system. The requirements for being on the list:

  • The operating system MUST be a major part of the game, it should represent at least half of the total gameplay. It cannot just be a gimmick. The Pip-Boy, from Fallout 3, NV, and 4 for example, does not count.
  • Operating system is a loose word, stylistic choice to visually represent an operating system is all that counts. I.E. - the author actually tried their best, and it resembles some form of an OS.
    • For example, Emily Is Away 1 & 2 are on this list, but not 3.

If you want to contribute to this list, or submit your own game, please contact me.

The list is in historical chronological order of release.

Release Date: October 1, 2001

Simulated operating system simulation with hacking, what’s not to love. View Uplink on Wikipedia

Digital: A Love Story

Release Date: Feb 2010

The entire game is inside of a simulated text only terminal OS, the concept is visually beautiful. View Digital: A Love Story on Wikipedia

Hacknet

Release Date: 20 Nov, 2015

A fun hacking simulation that features it’s own simulated OS. View Hacknet on Steam

Emily Is Away

Release Date: 20 Nov, 2015

This game takes place in a simulated operating system, using an AOL / MSN like messenger chat as the mechanism to drive the story. View Emily Is Away on Steam

Pony Island

Release Date: 4 Jan, 2016

Such View Pony Island on Steam

Emily Is Away Too

Release Date: 26 May, 2017

This expands on everything the first one did. The OS has been expanded significantly. View Emily Is Away Too on Steam

Kingsway

Release Date: 18 Jul, 2017

One of my favorite twists on the OS genre, instead of just being the obvious simulation - it takes the concept and turns it on it’s head. View Kingsway on Steam

Hypnospace Outlaw

Release Date: 12 Mar, 2019 An insanely innovative approach that inspires me to push my comfort zone as a creative. I think this is one of the best passion projects on this list. View Hypnospace Outlaw on Steam